{"title":"Port Ellen Distillery","description":"\u003cp\u003eEstablished on Islay's south coast in 1825 by A K Mackay and Co., Port Ellen is reputed to have been the first distillery to have incorporated Septimus Fox's spirit safe design into the distillation process.  Its innovations did not stop there, however.  After having been taken over by the shrewd and energetic John Ramsay in 1836, Port Ellen became the first distillery to trade with North America in 1848. Ramsay secured the right to export in larger casks and store the casks in bonded warehouses prior to export, a system which persists to this day. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRamsay was a busy man, it would seem.  As well as helping Robert Stein and Aeneas Coffey develop their continuous stills at his distillery, he was also instrumental in the establishment of the Islay to Glasgow steamboat service, imported Sherry and Madeira into Glasgow, was at one time the Liberal MP for Stirling and served as the chairman of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter John Ramsay's death Port Ellen stayed in the hands of his family, but they sold their interest in the 1920s and it was acquired by DCL in 1925.  DCL closed the distillery in 1929, but it continued to operate a maltings and bonded warehouses until it was re-opened with two more stills in 1966-67.  In 1973 a large drum maltings was built that continues to supply malt to all the distilleries on Islay to this day.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cimg width=\"190\" src=\"http:\/\/www.thewhiskyexchange.com\/Site_Data\/thewhiskyexchange_com\/manufimages\/portellen_pic.jpg\" height=\"143\" alt=\"Port Ellen Distillery\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Port Ellen was closed in the slump of 1983, but the whisky made in the 17 or so years between its re-opening and final closure has acquired a reputation as some of the finest to have been made on Islay in that time.  Following two outstandingly successful Rare Malt bottlings in 1998 and 2000, Diageo has released an official bottling of Port Ellen every year since 2001, although it is presently unknown how many more of these bottlings will be forthcoming as stocks get lower.  There have also been myriad independent bottlings, particularly from Signatory and Douglas Laing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrices for Port Ellen have increased steadily over the last decade as the reputation of the distillery grows and supplies dwindle.  The first official bottling from Diageo, released in 2001, has more than trebled in price to around £350 at the time of writing, while older independent bottlings can now fetch prices up to £500-£600.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePort Ellen is a versatile malt, with considerable differences of style evident between different bottlings.  Some sherry-casked Port Ellen can be beautifully rich, spicy, sweet and leathery; bourbon and refill casks often show a more austere, peppery medium-weighted style. Common characteristics, though, are a high level of peatiness and, in the best examples, a phenomenal complexity which Islay fans adore.  For these reasons Port Ellen has become one of the most sought-after of the lost distilleries by collectors, investors and aficionados.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"port-ellen-32-year-1983","title":"Port Ellen 32 Year Old 1983 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePort Ellen was a casualty of the Scotch whisky slump of the ’70s and ’80s, when sales slowed and a number of distilleries were shuttered. While Port Ellen stopped producing whisky in 1983, it’s lived on as a “ghost distillery” whose remaining stocks are being released to increasing acclaim. The new \u003c\/span\u003e1983 Port Ellen 32 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e, part of Diageo’s Special Releases series and limited to exactly 2,964 bottles worldwide. More than three decades in European oak has given this peated Islay malt equal parts elegance and brawn, with lots of smoke and powerful notes of citrus, toffee, and dark fruits\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Port Ellen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43755901026457,"sku":"088076177741","price":1687.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/7177\/7177\/files\/Port-Ellen-32-Year-Old-1983-Islay-Single-Malt-Scot-0.jpg?v=1756544060"},{"product_id":"port-ellen-1978-43-year-old-prima-ultima","title":"Port Ellen 1978 43 Year Old - Prima \u0026 Ultima","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePort Ellen 1978 43 Year Old - Prima \u0026amp; Ultima\u003c\/strong\u003e is an exquisite \u003cstrong\u003esingle\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003emalt\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003ewhisky\u003c\/strong\u003e originating from the \u003cstrong\u003ePort\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEllen\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003edistillery\u003c\/strong\u003e on the \u003cstrong\u003eIsle of Islay\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eScotland\u003c\/strong\u003e. This \u003cstrong\u003erare\u003c\/strong\u003e gem showcases the mastery of distillation with its unparalleled taste and aroma. Aged for an impressive \u003cstrong\u003e43 years\u003c\/strong\u003e, it offers a palate rich in complexity, with notes of \u003cstrong\u003esmoky\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003epeat\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003edried\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003efruits\u003c\/strong\u003e, and\u003cstrong\u003e hints of sea salt\u003c\/strong\u003e. Each sip unravels a symphony of flavors, leaving a lasting impression on the senses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe nose of this distinguished whisky captivates with a delicate balance of smoke and sweetness, accompanied by nuances of \u003cstrong\u003eoak\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003espices\u003c\/strong\u003e. Its long maturation period has allowed the flavors to intertwine harmoniously, resulting in a truly remarkable drinking experience. Crafted from the finest ingredients and distilled with precision, this expression embodies the essence of Port Ellen's legacy, offering connoisseurs a rare glimpse into the distillery's storied past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWith an\u003cstrong\u003e alcohol content of 53.4%\u003c\/strong\u003e that complements its age and complexity, Port Ellen 1978 43 Year Old - Prima \u0026amp; Ultima is best enjoyed \u003cstrong\u003eneat\u003c\/strong\u003e or with a \u003cstrong\u003esplash of water\u003c\/strong\u003e to unlock its full spectrum of flavors. Whether savored on special occasions or as a cherished addition to any whisky collection, this exceptional release exemplifies the pinnacle of Islay whisky craftsmanship, destined to be treasured by enthusiasts and collectors alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Port Ellen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44046722891929,"sku":"0088076189003","price":14999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/7177\/7177\/files\/Port-Ellen-1978-43-Year-Old-Prima-Ultima-Vintage-W-0.png?v=1761052691"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/7177\/7177\/collections\/port-ellen-distillery-398972.jpg?v=1720852022","url":"https:\/\/vintagewineandspirits.com\/collections\/port-ellen-distillery.oembed","provider":"Vintage Wine \u0026 Spirits ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}