Port Ellen 1981 15 Year Old Cask Master Selection

Port Ellen 1979 24 Year Old 3rd Release (2003)

Nose: this is the sharper, flinty / mineral kind of Port Ellen, although it’s not an extreme example. It has a slightly pungent profile that I associate with wet limestone, lemon and cut grass. Ethereal hints of nail polish as well. Quite some alcohol. It misses the feminine side of vanilla that softens the 7th or 9th release. Evolves on...

Score 91/100

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

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