Single Malt The Coopers Choice Single Cask 1390 18YO (((Bottled 1999)))
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this bottle will remain stable indefinitely if kept sealed and stored upright out of direct sunlight. Once opened, it is best enjoyed within 1 to 2 years to preserve its delicate aromatic profile.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Smoked salmon, strong blue cheese, high-quality dark chocolate
✨ Technical Specifications
This rare single malt Scotch whisky represents a liquid time capsule from the legendary, once-silent Port Ellen distillery on the south coast of Islay. Distilled in 1981 and matured for 18 years in a single oak cask (Cask No. 1390) before being bottled in 1999 by the acclaimed independent bottler, Vintage Malt Whisky Co. under 'The Cooper's Choice' label, this expression captures the raw, untamed spirit of Islay's golden era. Port Ellen's closure in 1983 cemented its mythical status among collectors, making independent single-cask releases like this highly sought after. The whisky showcases Port Ellen's signature profile: a complex interplay of intense peat smoke, medicinal brine, old leather, and a surprisingly delicate oily citrus undertone, refined by nearly two decades of quiet maturation.
🍾 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
43%