Rediscovering Long Lost Whisky

Legendary Bottlings from a Legendary Distillery

Port Ellen was born on Islay in 1825. When the distillery closed for a second time in 1983 it had been in production for just sixteen years and it’s fair to say that the whisky world was blissfully unaware of the potential of these maturing casks.

It wasn’t until releases in the 1990s hit the lips of aficionados that the legend of Port Ellen was borne. As its renown has grown, its finite stocks have diminished making this one of the most sought-after bottlings for connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Port Ellen 9 Rogue Casks, 40 Year Old

Nine Stories. One Momentous Malt. When master blender, Dr Jim Beveridge discovered nine rogue casks all from 1979, he saw it as an exciting opportunity to create something special in keeping with the true spirit at Port Ellen. From casks that at first seemed different from the renowned aromas and flavours that the distillery is known for has emerged a unique whisky that is still unmistakably Port Ellen. Every precious drop exudes Port Ellen’s signature soft smoke, but the nine newly discovered casks offer an added dimension – herbal green notes and a hint of aromatic spice that give the whisky a refined character never seen before. This release was limited to just 1380 bottles, a rare and exclusive opportunity to experience a truly special Port Ellen.

Port Ellen 1979, 40-Year-Old

When the Port Ellen distillery closed in 1983, it left many casks to mature quietly. Among them was one cask from 1979 that came to exceed all expectation. This superb spirit was subtle, elegant and full of flavour after forty years in the cask. It is one of the very last 1979 European Oak butts, expressing to the full the wonderful balance between sweetness, saltiness and smokiness that characterises Port Ellen at its peak. Alas, this cask yielded only 436 bottles so can only be enjoyed by a privileged few.

Port Ellen 1980, 41-Year-Old

This prized piece of history was, at the time, the oldest Port Ellen ever to be released, filled in the year the Queen visited the Port Ellen maltings. It comes from the two very last casks of 1980 which lived all their days on Islay, one refill American Oak Hogshead and one ex-Sherry European Oak Butt. A whisky of majestic quality with rich and smooth with notes of brine and dry seaweed on the nose. This very special Port Ellen is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and smoky, with a long, lightly peaty finish. Limited to only 555 bottles.

Port Ellen, 1981, 37 Year Old

One of only 174 bottles, this is a classic Port Ellen with exemplary character and vigour. Distilled in the final years of the distillery’s last production, this was quietly maturing in a single Hogshead before being bottled by Malt Master Craig Wilson at its absolute peak. Full gold, with beguiling notes of beach seaweed, spicy oak and sweet fruit, this is a true, once in a lifetime experience for any collector.