The first release in the Port Ellen Untold Stories Series is an astonishing bottling of 39 year old single malt produced by the legendary Islay-based distillery. Dubbed The Spirit Safe, this is one of the oldest whiskies released from Port Ellen, having spent close to 40 years maturing in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Just the ticket if you're counting down the days until the distillery reopens in 2021. 1,500 bottles have been produced.
Mild to begin with then through the soft peat smoke there is a slight prickle. An abundance of fruit; sultanas, melon, lime with a hint of ginger ale. Going deeper there is honey and beeswax followed by white chocolate and burnt toast. A drop of water makes it smoother and softer; lightly winey, before the sweetness of a fresh fruit salad with ripe bananas takes over.
A smooth texture and a sweet, salty then smoky taste. Cooling and prickly, as intense mint and smoke give way to sweet white chocolate and fruit salad. Water adds a shake of sea salt and a pleasant pinch of dried herbs. Chocolatey, minty, chewy, and coating: with balancing bitterness offset by traces of ginger and wine.
Complex, spicy, focused and balanced. Effortlessly controlled throughout. No less focused, though softer, with water.
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