Port Ellen 29yo (55.3%, OB, 6618 Bts., ‘1978, 8th Annual Release)

A very un – Islay like aromas (nose) at first but still very pleasant; it’s only after some time in the glass that the peat smoke to make its presence felt. There’s some really nice sweetness lurking at the bottom of the glass. Perhaps a little water will shake things up. A good splash of water open things a little but mainly brings out some lemon notes. The undiluted taste is quite strong and the peat smoke is VERY evident now and very good along with some very nice citrus and Hobnob biscuits. Big with oily moments and the ever present peat reek and moments of deep black coal and creosote. A late arrival of the malt (perhaps changed from the Hobnobs). With water it is very much a less aggressive dram and slightly sweeter but the charming notes of pre dilution hang in there. The finish is nicely warming with a really good inter play between the peat reek and the malt but now joined by some dryness and pepper. A very long finish indeed.

Yet another grand Port Ellen.

$225

Score 90 points