Single Malt 17th Release 37 YO
⏳ Drinking Window & Cellar Guidance
Ready to enjoy now; as a distilled spirit, it does not mature further in the bottle and will remain in peak condition indefinitely if stored away from direct sunlight and heat.
🍽️ Culinary Pairings
Blue cheese, dark chocolate, smoked wild salmon
✨ Technical Specifications
Port Ellen's 17th Special Release is a legendary 37-year-old single malt distilled in 1978, just five years before the iconic Islay distillery fell silent in 1983. This bottling represents the pinnacle of Scotland's 'ghost' distilleries, capturing a bygone era of traditional Scotch production. Matured in a combination of refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts, it showcases a remarkably complex, elegant, and gently fading peat smoke profile. The historic Port Ellen distillery, situated on the south coast of Islay, was renowned for its maritime character, deeply influenced by the damp, salty sea breezes of the Atlantic. This release is highly revered by collectors as one of the final remaining stocks from the original distillery run, blending soft peat smoke, old leather, citrus peel, and a distinct coastal salinity.
🍾 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.