Single Malt 2nd Release 24YO Bottled
⏳ Drinking Window & Cellar Guidance
As a highly stable, mature single malt Scotch whisky, it does not expire and can be enjoyed now or cellared indefinitely.
🍽️ Culinary Pairings
Smoked salmon, blue cheese, dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
Port Ellen's Second Annual Special Release, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2002 at 24 years of age, represents a legendary chapter in Islay's distilling history. Closed in 1983 during the infamous 'whisky loch' era, Port Ellen became a 'ghost' distillery, its remaining stocks slowly maturing in damp warehouses on the edge of the Atlantic. This expression captures the quintessential late-1970s distillation character: a sublime, oily texture, intense peat smoke, maritime brine, and a delicate thread of citrus and soft leather. The distillery's proximity to the sea heavily influenced these casks, infusing the spirit with a distinct coastal salinity that has made these closed-distillery bottlings some of the most sought-after liquids in the world.
🍾 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.