Port Ellen 11yo 1983/1994 (59.4%, SMWS, 43.8)

An older bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society than was distilled in March 1983 and bottled in September 1994 at 59.4% and there fore some what of a rarity these days. It’s remained unopened until 2012 and on the nose there is a sensational peat arrival; both rich coal tar or coal fires and malt with a little cocoa to brings things up market some what. This is heady stuff and magic in the glass. A little more examination reveals some hints of loam and some good oak spice with some really good vibrancy. Really quite sensational. The taste is just like the aromas but bigger with a brilliant duality from the very big peat smoke and the malt (and with the cocoa – don’ts forget the cocoa. Again very, very good and while not maddeningly complex it is a fine dram. A really very good coal tar syrupy mouth feel. The finish is again a tag team of the peat smoke malt and the cocoa and brilliantly perfect. The finish is long, massive, reaches every crevice of the brain and is very good. Some what down the road the dry powder cocoa makes an appearance as a final hurrah.

Quite an experience. A malt moment that makes it all worth it and something for the collective industry to aspire to. Not a drop of water required.

No recollection on price but must have been around £42

Score 94 points