In our flight of Brora, we also had this Port Ellen 1983 in the exclusive Private Stock series of The Whisky Agency.
Actually I think the Brora 1975 Rare Malts was better than this Port Ellen, so I’m reviewing them in the wrong order. I had the Brora 1972 Alambic Classique lined up instead (thanks for your sample, Dominiek) but I forgot I had already reviewed it some time ago… So here’s a bottle that didn’t really make the top-5.
Port Ellen 27 yo 1983 (55,6%, The Whisky Agency ‘Private Stock’ 2010, refill sherry cask, 96 btl.)
Nose: one of these Port Ellen expressions that are really close to Caol Ila of the same era / age. Warm smoke, with medium peat and quite some sweet and fruity undertones (orange jelly, peach compote, candy apple). Leathery tones, a hint of cocoa and subtle medicinal notes. Lovely harmony.
Mouth: bigger than the nose made me expect. Lots of lemony, peppery, ashy notes, very Caol Ellen. Stewed plums and citrus, with a pinch of salt and ginger. Liquorice. Full-bodied but quite round again.
Finish: long, ashy, with soft hints of brine and a bit of sherry sweetness.
A great Port Ila, but it doesn’t give me a “wtf?” feeling like some other Private Stock bottlings. Could have been the pressure of such legendary Brora before. Around € 900 in auctions. Thanks, Joeri.
Score: 92/100