The First Edition 31 Year Old Port Ellen 750 ml

Description

• 56.8% ABV
• Nose: Dried citrus, stone fruits and pepper
• Palate: Pears, apples, cinnamon, cloves and tart cherries.
• Finish: Constantly evolving, with hints of cloves, ginger, berries and oak tannins.

Situated along the Kildalton coast on the island of Islay, Port Ellen Distillery was founded in 1825 by Alexander Ker Mackay. At the time, the distillery became renown for its innovative and experimental techniques: it was the first distillery to incorporate Septimus Fox's spirit safe design into its distillation process, and was one of the first distilleries to trade directly with the United States.

Over the course of the 20th century, however, the distillery changed hands numerous times. In 1966, Port Ellen Distillery was reopened (it had been forced to close its doors as a result of Prohibition) and refurbished with four new stills heated by a mechanical coal stoker system. Although the distillery was forced to close its doors again in 1983 as a result of slumping demand, the whisky distilled in the 17 years between its re-opening and final closure has acquired a reputation as some of the finest to have ever been made.

The First Edition 31 Year Old Port Ellen Single Malt Scotch Whisky was distilled in 1982 at the famed distillery and bottled in 2014. As a result of the unique, smoky peat used during distillation, the whisky has an intense and complex flavor profile. It has a sweet aroma of dried citrus, stone fruits and pepper that give way to notes of pears, apples, cinnamon, cloves and tart cherries on the palate, which are complemented with a subtle undertone of smoke and peat. The finish is constantly evolving, with hints of cloves, ginger, berries and oak tannins.

Bottled at cask strength in a stunning Glencairn crystal decanter, the whisky is enclosed in a rosewood box and includes two crystal glasses and a certificate of authenticity.

"Port Ellen's price has soared for a straightforward reason," says Nick Morgan. "Scarcity is the driver."

Only 60 bottles of this whisky have ever been made. Try a scarce whisky today!