Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Port Ellen
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £1200
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Medicinal, Kippery, Leathery, Old Wood
- Description
- Port Ellen's 1981 vintage, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1999 for the Connoisseurs Choice range, represents a rare glimpse of this now-closed Islay distillery in its relative youth. Classic Islay peat smoke dominates, tempered by maritime salt and the crisp character of spirit less than two decades old. The palate is briny and direct, with ex-bourbon cask influence providing subtle vanilla undertones. This is essential for collectors of closed distilleries and those seeking authentic pre-closure Port Ellen character.
Similar bottles to Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 30th Anniversary Limited Edition — Hibiki, £1200, 5.0★ · Honey, Sherried, Malt Extract, Fragant
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Yamazaki 1984 — Yamazaki, £899.95, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Vanilla, Toasted, Nutty
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Talisker 30 Year Old — Talisker, £829.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Fresh Fruit, Old Wood, Oily
Different style alternatives to Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve — Glengoyne, £995, 5.0★ · Malt Extract, Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Fruit
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Hibiki 21 Year Old — Hibiki, £750, 5.0★ · Honey, Vanilla, Dried Fruit
- Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Midleton Very Rare 2016 — Midleton, £799, 4.9★ · Vanilla, Honey, Toasted, Dried Fruit
No ratings yet
My Rating
Tap to rate
ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
✦ Neatly Summary
Port Ellen 1981 / Bot.1999 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is a from Port Ellen (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, oaky and peaty character — smokey, medicinal, kippery, leathery. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Port Ellen's 1981 vintage, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in 1999 for the Connoisseurs Choice range, represents a rare glimpse of this now-closed Islay distillery in its relative youth. Classic Islay peat smoke dominates, tempered by maritime salt and the crisp character of spirit less than two decades old. The palate is briny and direct, with ex-bourbon cask influence providing subtle vanilla undertones. This is essential for collectors of closed distilleries and those seeking authentic pre-closure Port Ellen character.
Community Tasting Notes
No community notes yet. Sign in to add yours.
Neatly may earn a commission · Prices may vary
Similar taste profile
Questions & Answers