Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 (Chieftain’s Limited Edition Collection)

Port Ellen is widely considered one of the ultimate "ghost distilleries" of Scotland. It closed its doors in 1983, and because its remaining liquid stocks are completely finite, well-aged single casks like this are legendary among collectors. This expression was curated and bottled by independent bottler Ian Macleod Distillers for their premium Chieftain's range. Distillery: Port Ellen Distillery, Islay Independent Bottler: Ian Macleod (Chieftain's Line) Distilled: May 1982 Bottled: October 2012 Age: 30 Years Old Cask Profile: Matured for three decades in a single Hogshead Cask (Cask No. 1518) Rarity: Strictly limited to a single-cask outturn of only 308 bottles globally Specifications: Bottled at a natural cask strength of 50.1% ABV, non-chill filtered, and featuring its natural pale gold color Brief Tasting Notes Three decades of maturation in a hogshead cask beautifully refine Port Ellen's assertive maritime character, trading aggressive distillery peat for a highly complex, soft, and balletic coastal style. Nose: Elegant, bright, and deeply layered. It opens with prominent aromas of ripe orchard pears, pear cider, and honeyed cream, woven seamlessly with subtle mint hints, wood smoke, and an elegant background of gentle, decaying vegetation peat Palate: Incredibly smooth, lithe, and sophisticated. An exquisite blend of sweet honeyed fruit and ripe pear arrives first, quickly followed by perfectly restrained peat smoke, soft wood ash, and a touch of maritime salinity. It completely lacks the heavy, burning punch of young Islays Finish: Immensely long, warming, and pristine. It trails away gracefully with echoes of sweet ash smoke, dry oak spices, and a lingering touch of citrus oil