Port Ellen 13 Years Old 1979 Cask #1832 – 44 (Dun Eideann)

This Port Ellen was from the independent bottler Dun Eideann, a 13 year old Islay malt, from 1979, drawn from cask 1832 - 44 and bottled at 43%. The outturn was 5800 bottles. The legendary Port Ellen, established in 1825 on Islay's southern coast near the village of Port Ellen, was closed in 1983 in the whisky downturn. Diageo reopened the distillery in 2024, though stock like this comes from the original era.

Heavily peated malt, kilned over Islay peat, set the smoky tone and run through copper pot stills on soft island water, for the austere, structured peat the malt is known for. An ex-Bourbon hogshead held it, the soft oak letting the Islay character lead. At a youthful age the peat reek is clear and the malt fresh. Port Ellen was matured largely in refill casks, which sharpen the smoke and leave the malt a touch austere.

Reduced to 43%, it is mellow. An elegant, structured smoke runs over lemon peel and sea brine, with a gentle vanilla note. The mouthfeel is oily, the smoke carried on a waxy body. The finish runs oily, saline and slow. This is one of the great ghost whiskies of Islay.