Some casks are born different. Here at Port Ellen we prize these ‘rogue’ casks. They are an inspiration for a distillery that has always followed its own heart, instead of the rules. When our master distiller discovered 9 of these casks from 1979 he saw an exciting opportunity to create something special.
At 40 years old, this release is the oldest ever Port Ellen expression released to the public. Truly authentic in colour and cask strength. Hugging the coastline on the revered Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland, Port Ellen has achieved legendary status amongst connoisseurs in the know with whiskies that are among the most sought after, with the magic and mystique growing with age since the distillery’s closure in 1983. Plans are now in place and work has started on rebuilding a brand new distillery to re-open in 2021.
The stocks from Port Ellen before closure in 1983 are limited in quantity and highly revered by the whisky experts as they improve with age. Special releases of these stocks offer a unique opportunity to own a part of Port Ellen’s history. There are only 1,380 bottles available of the 9 Rogue Casks release which makes it both the oldest and the most limited public release from the distillery.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Delicate, grassy/herbal, burnt tangerine skin, very mild smoke at cask strength, opens up a little with the addition of water, crème caramel/roasted coffee, red fruit compote, ripe peach skin.
Taste:
Much more pronounced bonfire smoke, pipe tobacco, leather, wood spice.
Finish:
Long, wispy smoke finish.