Single Malt 1st Release 22YO Bottled
⏳ Drinking Window & Cellar Guidance
Ready to enjoy now; as a distilled spirit, it will not mature further in the bottle and can be preserved indefinitely under proper storage conditions.
🍽️ Culinary Pairings
Smoked wild salmon, Roquefort blue cheese, high-quality dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
The Port Ellen 22 Year Old 1st Release, bottled in 2001, stands as a monumental milestone in spirits history, marking the very beginning of Diageo's highly anticipated annual Special Releases. Distilled in 1979, just a few years before the legendary Islay distillery was closed in 1983, this bottling captured a ghost in a bottle. For decades, Port Ellen's warehouses sat quiet on the south coast of Islay, slowly maturing what would become some of the most sought-after liquid gold in the world. This first official release showcases the classic, irreplaceable Port Ellen character: a sublime harmony of intense, oily peat smoke, maritime sea spray, damp leather, and a delicate thread of citrus and soft wax. It represents not just a whisky, but a liquid archive of Islay's distilling heritage during a golden era.
🍾 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.