Port Ellen 26 Year Old 1983 - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Port Ellen
Tasting Notes
The Port Ellen 1983 26 Year Old, bottled by Signatory Vintage as part of their Cask Strength Collection, represents a precious glimpse into the final years of this legendary lost Islay distillery. Distilled on March 2nd, 1983, and matured in a wine-treated butt (cask #232) until its bottling on November 10th, 2009, at a robust 54.7% ABV. The whisky presents a classic Port Ellen profile that begins with a briny, iodine-rich nose that develops farmyard and maritime notes when water is added. The palate delivers Port Ellen's characteristic power, with earthy, salty, and tarry notes complemented by almond and lime, while subtle kippered notes add depth. The journey concludes with a long, maritime finish where seashell notes and bitter almonds give way to a surprisingly gentle conclusion of crystallized quince. Each 70cl bottle captures a moment in time from Port Ellen's final chapter, offering enthusiasts the chance to experience this much-mourned distillery's distinctive coastal character.