This is the second official release of Port Ellen, and the one with the highest alcohol strength. It’s also the widest release, if I’m not mistaken, with 12.000 bottles, and therefore one of the least expensive yearly releases.
Port Ellen 24 yo 1978 ‘2nd release’ (59,35%, OB 2002, 12.000 btl.)
Nose: one of the sharp and austere noses. Cutting phenols, vegetal oils and plenty of grassy notes. Lemon. Moves towards camphor and even a hint of ammonia. Eucalyptus. Farmy notes in the background. After some time a very light fruity / honeyed note comes out. It’s quite sharp alright but it also shows a remarkable finesse in a way.
Mouth: a tad hot, but also chewier and sweeter than expected. Oranges and pears, lemonade. Medium peat and a good dose of salt. Actually more ashes than real peat. Still a farmy edge that hints towards Brora. A bit of coffee (this may be the alcohol), a little wax and liquorice too.
Finish: long, slightly bittersweet, with sweet peat and some wood.
Judging by the nose, I was afraid it would be too harsh and one-dimensional, but on the palate it really showed its complex aromas and balance. Maybe not my favourite release but definitely not the worst. Around € 1000 in auctions.
Score: 91/100