Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky
- Distillery
- Port Ellen
- Region
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Type
- ABV
- 40%
- Price
- £1000
- Tasting notes
- Smokey, Leathery, Old Wood
- Description
- Port Ellen's 1981 distillate spent 17 years maturing in ex-bourbon casks before this 1998 Signatory bottling, capturing the closed distillery's signature Islay character. Expect layered peat smoke, briny maritime notes, and dark fruit complexity underpinned by oak spice and subtle vanilla sweetness. The palate is robust and warming with a long, smoky finish that lingers with medicinal warmth. A rare glimpse into Port Ellen's final years, essential for collectors and peat enthusiasts alike.
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Same price range with overlapping tasting notes:
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Highland Park 30 Year Old - Pre 2013 — Highland Park, £999, 5.0★ · Smokey, Honey, Dried Fruit, Toasted
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Jura 30 Year Old — Jura, £699, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Toasted, Honey, Dried Fruit
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Glenugie 30 Year Old 1980 - Deoch an Doras — Glenugie, £899, 5.0★ · Old Wood, Sherried, Dried Fruit, Honey
Different style alternatives to Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky
Same price range with a contrasting flavour profile:
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve — Glengoyne, £995, 5.0★ · Malt Extract, Honey, Vanilla, Fresh Fruit
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Miyagikyo 15 Year Old — Miyagikyo, £699, 5.0★ · Fresh Fruit, Honey, Malt Extract
- Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky vs Hibiki 21 Year Old — Hibiki, £750, 5.0★ · Honey, Vanilla, Dried Fruit
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ABV
40%
Age
NAS
Style
✦ Neatly Summary
Port Ellen 1981 / 17 Year Old / Cask #1385/88 / Signatory Islay Whisky is a from Port Ellen (United Kingdom), bottled at 40% ABV. Expect intensely smoky, oaky and peaty character — smokey, leathery, old wood. Best suited for experienced drinkers who enjoy bold, complex whiskies. A collector's expression at a premium price point.
Port Ellen's 1981 distillate spent 17 years maturing in ex-bourbon casks before this 1998 Signatory bottling, capturing the closed distillery's signature Islay character. Expect layered peat smoke, briny maritime notes, and dark fruit complexity underpinned by oak spice and subtle vanilla sweetness. The palate is robust and warming with a long, smoky finish that lingers with medicinal warmth. A rare glimpse into Port Ellen's final years, essential for collectors and peat enthusiasts alike.
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