Port Ellen 25yo 1982/2007 (57%, Signatory CS, refill sherry butt, C#2847, 417 Bts.,D11/’82 B12/’07)

A cask strength single cask bottling of Port Ellen distilled in 1982 and bottled in 2007 at 57% and from a refill butt. A heavy bottle and tin too. The nose is peat reek; burnt toast, deep, deep coal smoke, light roofing tar and slightly pungent; Bovril. There is also some sweetness, huge black pepper and fruit however it is still very much of peat reek. A few drops of water only increases the peat reek and brings out an oiliness along with a fragrant leaf mould. This last bit is slightly distracting but after a minute or two it settles down. The undiluted taste is again of the burnt toast and lashings of peat and coal smoke along with a sudden stab of clean red cedar. A peat monster to be sure and strong. With water the taste is somewhat milder but still very peat reek; there seems to be a theme here. Again the red cedar makes an appearance along with some very light lavender and a tiny hint of curry. The finish is at first sweet and then the peat reek smashes its way into the room and then eases off and becomes smoked dry oak and oddly some peanut butter. The diluted sample is simply sweeter and fruiter but is still very peat smoke-ish. Once again the very light floral notes arrives at the very end.

A grand Port Ellen.

C$250

90 Points