Single Malt 16th Release 37YO Bottled
⏳ Drinking Window & Cellar Guidance
Ready to enjoy now; as a highly aged spirit, it will remain in pristine condition indefinitely if kept sealed and stored away from direct sunlight.
🍽️ Culinary Pairings
Smoked wild salmon, mature blue cheese, high-quality dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
The Port Ellen 16th Release is a monumental 37-year-old single malt distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2016 as part of Diageo's highly anticipated annual Special Releases. Matured in a combination of refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts, this expression represents some of the final, precious stocks from the legendary lost Islay distillery before its 1983 closure. The whisky captures the quintessential, old-school Islay character: a sophisticated interplay of damp peat smoke, coastal brine, and medicinal undertones, softened by decades of wood contact that introduced rich notes of beeswax, leather, and subtle citrus peel. It stands as a liquid monument to Scotch history, offering a sensory journey back to the golden era of traditional Islay distilling.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1825 by Alexander Mackay on the south coast of Islay, Port Ellen stands as one of the most revered and iconic names in Scotch whisky history. After operating through various expansions under Distillers Company Limited (now Diageo), the distillery was mothballed during the industry downturn in 1983, achieving legendary 'ghost distillery' status before being meticulously revived and reopened in 2024. Port Ellen is celebrated worldwide for its distinctively refined maritime profile, combining elegant peat smoke, oily texture, coastal salinity, and nuanced citrus layers. Highly coveted by connoisseurs and collectors alike, its vintage single malt releases remain among the most prestigious expressions ever distilled in Scotland.