Port Ellen 1983 30 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Situated along the Kildalton coast on the island of Islay, Port Ellen Distillery was founded in 1825 by Alexander Ker Mackay. At the time, the distillery became renown for its innovative and experimental techniques: it was the first distillery to incorporate Septimus Fox's spirit safe design into its distillation process, and was one of the first distilleries to trade directly with the United States. Over the course of the 20th century, however, the distillery changed hands numerous times. In 1966, Port Ellen Distillery was reopened (it had been forced to close its doors as a result of Prohibition) and refurbished with four new stills heated by a mechanical coal stoker system. Although the distillery was forced to close its doors again in 1983 as a result of slumping demand, the whisky distilled in the 17 years between its re-opening and final closure has acquired a reputation as some of the finest to have been made on Islay in that time. Port Ellen 1983 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Duncan Taylor Bottling) was distilled at Port Ellen in 1983, making it some of the last whisky ever produced at the distillery (Port Ellen was mothballed later that year). Aged for 30 years and bottled at cask strength (104 proof), this rare bottling is uncut, unfiltered and encased in a wooden tantalus worthy of the spirit it contains. This exceptional whisky has a golden wheat hue and an aroma of caramel, peat bogs, hay and fresh apples. The palate is at once light and full of character, with notes of peaches, almonds and mint giving way to a smooth, dry finish characterized by raisins, marmalade and breakfast cake. Only a few of these bottles will ever be made available for purchase — be sure to pick one up today!