Single Malt 5th Release 25YO (((Bottled 2005)))
⏳ Drinking Window
Ready to drink upon release; spirits do not age or improve in the bottle but will remain stable indefinitely if stored upright and away from direct light.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Oysters on the half shell, mature blue cheese, high-quality dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
The Port Ellen 5th Release 25 Year Old is a legendary single malt Scotch whisky distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2005 as part of Diageo's highly anticipated annual Special Releases. Originating from the lost distillery of Port Ellen on the south coast of Islay, which fell silent in 1983, this bottling represents a finite piece of liquid history. Matured in a combination of refill American oak and European oak casks, it captures the classic, irreplaceable character of the distillery: a sublime balance of oily maritime brine, soft peat smoke, damp leather, and zesty citrus. The coastal warehouses of Islay, constantly battered by salty Atlantic winds, have deeply infused this spirit with a distinct seaside salinity and tarry complexity that has made Port Ellen one of the most sought-after names in the spirits world.
🍾 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.
🍇 Base Material
Malted Barley
🍷 ABV
57.4%