Whisky Focus - Port Ellen 34 Year Old 1978 Diageo 2013 Special Releases

Port Ellen 34 Year Old Special Release 2013


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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