This whisky is from the long-since closed distillery of Port Ellen and despite a whole bunch of distilleries sadly closing in the early 1980s Port Ellen remains one of the most highly regarded. Arguably, whisky has to be neither old nor rare to be great but Port Ellen packs both of these qualities, as well as phenomenal complexity of character. Therefore it is no wonder that ‘That Boutique-y Whisky Company’ had to bottle up some of this rare malt before it all disappears.
This Label features Jon Beach, proprietor of the Fiddler’s Whisky Bar in Drumnadrochit – Jon is perhaps the world’s most famous Port Ellen Collector. In this image, we can see Jon holding a bag of Sherbet Lemons, and a Chamois Leather (classic Port Ellen tasting notes), and looking sad. Sad because his favourite distillery is done and closed. Don’t Cry Jon. There’s plenty left for everyone (sort of).
This is a release of just 24 bottles!
‘That Boutique-y Whisky Company’ bottles single malts, single grains, bourbons, blended malts and blends from a variety of renowned distilleries. These whiskies are adorned with cultish graphic-novel-style labels.
Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt
Nose An astonishingly elegant nose of sherbet lemon, soft rolling coastal smoke, ginger bread dough, icing sugar, and a splash of salt water.
Palate Immensely soft and delicate with smoke and lemon leading the way, followed by marshmallow and gentle brine.
Finish A small wave of salt and peat leading to a spectacularly long finish of mellow candied fruits, with a lingering hint of Chamois Leather.
Overall Such a gentle whisky - yet it hasn’t lost its peaty bite that pinches at the beginning of each sip before mellowing gloriously.