A SCOTCH whisky distillery is marking its 200th anniversary with the release of a rare 42-year-old bottle.
With only 150 bottles available, this is the first limited release from the distillery since its reopening last year after more than four decades.
The whisky was originally distilled in 1983, shortly before the distillery closed.
Having matured gently for more than four decades in European oak casks, the whisky was bottled at 42-years-old, and is marketed for its "harmony of smoke and rich aromas" which are "true to the distillery’s signature character, and a testament to Port Ellen’s passion to push the boundaries of Scotch exploration".
Port Ellen master blender Aimée Morrison said: “[It is] a wonderful expression which embodies the essence of Port Ellen; the complexities of smoke mingled with underlying berry flavours, bringing depth and harmony to the whisky.”
To honour 200 years of Port Ellen whisky, the distillery is also:
- unveiling Port Ellen Prism: the oldest single malt ever released from the distillery, housed within a one-of-a-kind sculptural artwork designed by Wilfried Grootens, donated to Sotheby’s Distillers’ One of One charity auction.
- showing a new installation by Ini Archibong at the Islay distillery. Details to follow.
- launching the first in a matrix of distillery experiments, investigating the intricacies of every part of the process that affects the flavour of smoke, using state-of-the-art equipment to "demystify flavour".
The Port Ellen 200th anniversary edition will be available to purchase from October 2025, from at the distillery on Islay by appointment, or by enquiring with the private client team in Scotland.
Only 150 bottles are available, priced at £7500.
For those visiting the distillery, the Port Ellen 200th Anniversary, the release can also be tasted during a commemorative experience available from October.
