Port Ellen 1983 Cask Strength Jean Boyer Best Casks of Scotland

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 24 Year Old 1982 A.D. Rattray

You do not often see Port Ellen on sherry. This bottling was released some 12 years ago by Dewar Rattray (A.D. Rattray nowadays) by order of the Belgian importer The Nectar. I presume it was the part of a cask as only 168 bottles were available. The angels are not that greedy. Sweet nose with clear influences of the sea. Think seaweed, salt, peat...

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 Chieftain's 1982 25 Year Old

The Nose: Pears and pear cider. A honeyed sweetness, round, sweet cream and peat...less peat than I was expecting but it is there, softened and restrained, just showing the more elegant side of decayed vegetation. There are notes of wood smoke, a little tiny touch of vinegar and subtle, subtle mint hints. The Palate: Incredible, smooth, exquisite...

Score 98/100