3rd September 2013 |
Port Ellen 34 Year Old
This
increasingly rare Port Ellen whisky is
from Refill American Oak and refill
European Oak casks filled in 1978.
Limited to 2,958 bottles and bottled at
a cask strength of 55% ABV. RRP £1,500.
Port Ellen 34 Year Old
1978 Tasting Notes
Producer's Tasting Notes:
Appearance:
A clear amber, like antique gold in
sunlight. Dense beading, suggesting rich
texture.
Nose:
Cautious and clean at first, with hints
of dark toffee wrapped in wood smoke,
then cooling oil of eucalyptus and a
trace of bruised apple fruit. The wood
smoke parts to reveal a savoury, meaty
scent, then sweet honey, toasted cereals
and a whole artist’s studio of oils.
With water, it starts smoky (like
vegetables on a barbecue) the underlying
oiliness now punctuated by hints of
lime.
Body:
Light, oily, smooth.
Palate:
Stunning. Caution is thrown to the winds
as sweet and intense smoke races across
the palate chased by fresh lemons, lemon
zest and butter. This rich, fruity
smoky-sweetness becomes tongue-coating,
smooth dark chocolate enveloped in
exquisite wood smoke. It drinks very
well straight and when the attack slows,
there’s yet more honey, lemon and a
sprinkling of sea salt. If water is
added it is smooth, lightly oily, much
sweeter now and more accessible: still
some salt, with a new spicy tingle.
Finish:
Long, coating, intense and sustained,
all pervading scented smoke, hints of
mint and bergamot, then finally dense
and savoury, with an aftertaste
suggesting cloves.
Summary:
Summary: A phenomenal, mighty and
utterly compelling Port Ellen with
astonishing complexity and huge
character. The refined nose gives no
clue to the vivid, immediate onrush of
astonishing flavours; a fine interplay
of clean citrus, alluring smoke and salt
with honeyed sweetness. |
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tasting notes.
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