Port Ellen 1969 16 Year Old Connoisseurs Choice Gordon & Macphail

Port Ellen 35 Year Old 1982 Signatory 30th Anniversary

On December 7th I joined a tremendous Signatory 30th Anniversary Tasting. I drove two hours, but who wouldn’t for this kind of tasting? The last whisky in the line-up was this 35 years old Port Ellen. I had been a while since I last tasted a Port Ellen and did not want to miss this opportunity. Delicious nose on sweet, smoky malt, chalk and jute,...

Score 92/100

Port Ellen 1979/2011 32 Year Old 11th Annual Release

Port Ellen distillery was founded in 1825 on the southern shore of Islay by Alexander Kerr Mackay. Between 1825 and 1836 ownership of the distillery changed a couple of times, but after John Ramsay was granted a lease on Port Ellen in 1836 it was operated by him and his descendants until the distillery was sold to the Port Ellen Distillery Co....

Score 88/100

Port Ellen 1978 31 Year Old 10th Release

The 10th annual release of Port Ellen had the lowest yield ever: just 3000 bottles (other releases were generally between 5000 to 12.000). Port Ellen 31 yo 1978 ‘10th release’ (54,6%, OB 2010, 3000 btl.) Nose: exactly the kind of Port Ellen I like. Peat as a supporting act rather than a show stealer. Quite coastal and sooty, but in an elegant...

Score 95/100

Port Ellen 1982 24 Year Old

Color: Greenish gold. Light. Nose: Briny with ocean notes. Some not unpleasant old wax. Hints of grapefruit. Slight medical bandage tape undercurrent. Body: Oily and substantial. More than the color would suggest. Palate: Pops with pepper and delicious smoke. A crackling beach campfire. Salted melon. Finish: Salty and long with a late hit of...

Score 90/100