Port Ellen 25 yo (1982/2007), Signatory – Cask Strength Collection (cask #645), 60.1%

Introduction

Port Ellen is one of Scotland’s most mythical closed distilleries, having ceased production in 1983 and achieved legendary status among whisky enthusiasts for its distinctive peaty character and increasing rarity.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley with the characteristic high phenol content typical of Islay malts, using water from the local sources on Islay’s south coast
• Distillation process: Traditional Scottish pot still distillation at the historic Port Ellen distillery on Islay’s southern shore, one of the last batches produced before the distillery’s closure in 1983
• Maturation: 25 years in a single Refill Butt (cask #645), allowing for the perfect balance between the spirit character and wood influence
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (60.1%) without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving all original character and oils from this historic whisky

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Maritime peat smoke, iodine, and medicinal notes balanced with sweet vanilla, dried fruits, and a hint of citrus zest; complex layers of tar, seaweed, and antique leather
• Palate: Powerful yet refined entry with intense peaty characteristics, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon oil; waves of smoked fish, oily walnuts, and honey, with subtle tobacco and dried herbs developing with time
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with fading peat smoke, brine, lingering spices, and sweet maltiness; a perfect testament to Port Ellen’s distinctive coastal character

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn whisky glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complex character; a few drops of pure water can help open up additional layers while taming the high alcohol content
• Food pairings: Smoked seafood, aged blue cheeses, or dark chocolate with sea salt; alternatively, this whisky deserves to be savored on its own as a contemplative after-dinner dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 60.1% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland/Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Signatory’s highly regarded Cask Strength Collection, recognized among collectors as one of the most authentic independent bottlings of Port Ellen available

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Port Ellen 25-year-old represents one of the last remaining opportunities to taste the authentic character of this historic closed distillery in its purest form.

Bottles from this legendary Islay distillery become increasingly scarce with each passing year, as the finite stock continues to diminish and will never be replaced.

Respected whisky critics and connoisseurs consistently rank Port Ellen among the most important distilleries in Scotch whisky history, with bottlings from independent specialists like Signatory representing the most authentic expression of its character.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Port Ellen bottlings consistently command attention at prestigious whisky auctions and are prominently featured in serious whisky collections worldwide.

Whisky enthusiasts who invest in bottles from closed distilleries like Port Ellen often find themselves joining an exclusive community of appreciators who understand the historical significance of these diminishing spirits.

This particular bottling from Signatory’s Cask Strength Collection represents the pinnacle of independent bottling expertise, capturing the essence of Port Ellen’s maritime character in its most authentic, unaltered form.

From Islay’s Southern Shore to You

By selecting this Port Ellen 25-year-old, you’re receiving not just a bottle of whisky but a preserved moment in Scotch whisky history that can never be recreated.

The distinctive character of this whisky – balancing intense peat with refined complexity – resonates deeply with those who appreciate the unique heritage of Islay whisky production.

Join the community of Port Ellen appreciators who understand that each dram shared is a connection to the island’s whisky-making tradition and an opportunity to experience a distillery whose spirit lives on only in the bottles that remain.