Port Ellen, 1981, 37 Year Old, Islay, Cask Of Distinction, 1981

A classic Port Ellen with exemplary character and vigour from a single American Oak hogshead. Full gold, with beguiling aromas of beach seaweed, oily boat engines and sweet fruit. With a little water, the sweet aromas rise, joined by a soft waxy note. The texture is smooth and light. The taste starts sweet soon there are salty spicy waves of pungent, maritime, deliciously smoky heat. Water brings up the sweetness and spiciness and cools the heat, with hints of char and citrus. The finish is long, charred and smoky sweet, fading to sweet spicy oak and white pepper.