Single Malt 4th Release 25YO (((Bottled 2004)))
⏳ Drinking Window
As a high-strength single malt Scotch whisky, this bottle does not mature further in glass and will remain in peak condition indefinitely if stored upright away from direct light.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Smoked wild salmon, Roquefort blue cheese, Dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
Port Ellen is a name whispered with reverence among spirits enthusiasts. Closed in 1983 during a dark era for the Scotch whisky industry, this Islay icon became a 'ghost' distillery, its remaining casks slowly maturing in warehouses kissed by the salty Atlantic winds. The 4th Annual Special Release, distilled in 1978 and bottled in 2004 at 25 years of age, represents a pinnacle of this lost era. It captures the quintessential Port Ellen profile: a mesmerizing dance of intense maritime peat smoke, damp sea-cliff air, soft worn leather, and a delicate thread of oily citrus. This release is highly coveted by collectors worldwide, serving as a liquid time capsule of Islay's rich distilling heritage before the distillery's historic revival in 2024.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1825 by Alexander Ker Mackay and substantially shaped under the tenure of John Ramsay, Port Ellen stands as one of the most mythic names in Scotch whisky. Situated on the southern shoreline of Islay, the maritime climate and proximity to Loch Leorin water sources have historically lent the spirit an unmistakable coastal salinity, dry peat smoke, and refined oily texture. Mothballed in 1930 and extensively modernised upon reopening in 1967, Port Ellen closed again in 1983 during the industry-wide downturn. In the ensuing four decades of silence, remaining stocks matured in predominantly refill oak casks, yielding expressions celebrated for delicate citrus, chalky soot, and balanced coastal complexity. In 2024, owner Diageo officially reawakened the distillery, recreating its original copper pot distillation geometry with the Phoenix Stills alongside dedicated experimental units to preserve its revered historic profile while exploring contemporary single malt production.
🍷 ABV
56.2%