Port Ellen 1980 16 Year Old First Cask

Port Ellen 37 Year Old 1978 16th Release

When this whisky was poured during the Diageo Masterclass at Spirits in the Sky, the tension in the room was palpable. For many, this was the highlight of the tasting – or even the festival. And why not. It does not happen every day that one can try a bottle that will set you back 3000 EUR, right? Port Ellen always has had something magical. But...

Score 92/100

Port Ellen 18 Year Old 1981 Provenance

Port Ellen is always a bit of a feast. Hence I am very happy to be able to taste five in a row. Let me start with this 18 Year Old that was bottled in 2000 by McGibbon’s (part of Douglas Laing) under their Provenance label. It has a clear amber color, hinting at a sherry cask, which is confirmed immediately on the nose. The nose bursts with...

Score 86/100

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 Wilson & Morgan

I have had my share of Wilson & Morgan bottlings, with their emphasis on Islay, but this is the first Port Ellen from their stables that I try. Aiming high with a 30 Year Old that was brought to the market last year. The nose is rather soft with less emphasis on the maritime Islay elements, but more on the creamy and sweet aromas. Farmer...

Score 91/100

Port Ellen 1979 30 Year Old 9th Release (2009)

This is a “what might have been” kind of review. This is a review of a 30mL sample of a Port Ellen official bottling. The back story: An actual bottle of this 9th release (30 year old) Port Ellen sat at a store near my sister’s house for $369.99 for several years. They also had a bottle of the 8th release. I visited them on two occasions. Both...

Score 88/100