PORT ELLEN 24 YEARS OLD PROVENANCE 1983
70cl 46% ABV
1983 vintage Port Ellen from Douglas McGibbon’s Provenance range. This 24 year old was distilled in spring 1983 making this one of the later bottlings from Port Ellen before the unfortunate closure later the same year.
Bottled at in Autumn 2007, this is an un chill filtered, non coloured release from one refill butt.
With the possible exception of Brora distillery, Port Ellen is perhaps the most lauded and mythologised of the “lost distilleries”. Sadly dismantled in the 1990s following its 1983 closure, Port Ellen has garnered a glowing reputation post closure. This reputation is built on the often stunning releases of its remaining stock by Diageo, as part of their annual special releases, and those of independent bottlers.
As stocks dwindle, prices continue to rise making owning a little piece of Port Ellen history ever more inaccessible and expensive. But although no distillery name can guarantee you an exceptional whisky, as with Brora, Port Ellen expressions frequently justify the hyperbole.
Tasting Notes
Nose…”Salty, maritime and distinctly Islay’d and phenolic on the nose, it then warms rather sweetly.
Palate… Has that same salty and peated quality – running into soft summer tar, even softer chewed leather, and an apparent late syrupy style.
Finish…. Smoke, ashy, cindery, peaty, dry and still saline.”
The Whiskey Boutique secured a bottle of this awesomeness.
As well as a 18 yr old Port Ellen.
Online thewhiskeyboutique.co.nz
https://www.thewhiskylibrary.co.nz/whisky/product/port-ellen-24-year-old-1983-provenance-douglas-mcgibbons/
