Port Ellen 26yo 1982/2009 (56.1%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, 43.15) – Scotch Whisky Tasting Note

Many years ago the Scotch Malt Whisky Society informed their members of the fact that the Society would no longer bottle any more casks of the famed Port Ellen. In the interim every independent bottler from Gordon & MacPhail through Douglas Laing and a myriad of others (including Diageo) have bottled dozens and dozens and dozens of various casks of Port Ellen. As Sir Sean Connery said in the silver screen; “Never Say Never” and low and behold the Society is once again bottling Port Ellen. It’s about time for pities sake…..

The nose is buttered with lashings of peat reek, some mild juniper and is not hrash but nicely smooth and phenolic followed by BBQ (the official SMWS tasting notes mention roast leg of pork with sage). The nose is very pleasant and the combinaion of the creamy buttery notes and the phenols make for a very endearing combination some what in the style of Caol Ila. The taste is very good, the peat and the juniper are very well integrated and neither are oer powering, there is also some hints of unbuttered pop corn, spie and some dark chocolate. What a delicious dram! The finish is warming and exceedingly long with loads of peat, malt and some really good dark chocolate all very well integrated.

A sensational Port Ellen!

US$250

Score 90 Points