Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Port Ellen
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £1200
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Kippery, Old Wood, Medicinal, Leathery
- Description
- Port Ellen distilled in 1980 and bottled in 1997 by Gordon & MacPhail represents a rare glimpse of this now-closed Islay distillery in its early years. At under 20 years old, this Connoisseurs Choice bottling captures the distillery's signature maritime character with briny peat and seaweed-touched smoke. The 40% ABV allows the spirit's delicate construction to shine, revealing layers of salt spray and subtle fruit beneath the smoke. A significant find for collectors seeking pre-closure Port Ellen at a more accessible age than the heavily-aged releases that dominate the market.
Similar bottles to Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Talisker 30 Year Old — Talisker, £829.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Fresh Fruit, Old Wood, Oily
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Yamazaki 1984 — Yamazaki, £899.95, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Vanilla, Toasted, Nutty
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Ardbeg 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) — Ardbeg, £724.95, 5.0★ · Smokey, Oily, Medicinal
Different style alternatives to Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve — Glengoyne, £995, 5.0★ · Malt Extract, Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Fruit
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Hibiki 21 Year Old — Hibiki, £750, 5.0★ · Honey, Vanilla, Dried Fruit
- Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky vs Midleton Very Rare 2016 — Midleton, £799, 4.9★ · Vanilla, Honey, Toasted, Dried Fruit
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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
✦ Neatly Summary
Port Ellen 1980 / Bot.1997 / Connoisseurs Choice Islay Whisky is a from Port Ellen (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, oaky and peaty character — smokey, kippery, old wood, medicinal. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Port Ellen distilled in 1980 and bottled in 1997 by Gordon & MacPhail represents a rare glimpse of this now-closed Islay distillery in its early years. At under 20 years old, this Connoisseurs Choice bottling captures the distillery's signature maritime character with briny peat and seaweed-touched smoke. The 40% ABV allows the spirit's delicate construction to shine, revealing layers of salt spray and subtle fruit beneath the smoke. A significant find for collectors seeking pre-closure Port Ellen at a more accessible age than the heavily-aged releases that dominate the market.
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