Distillery/Brand: Port Ellen
ABV: 58.6%
Region: Islay
Colour: Chardonnay

Nose: 23
Taste: 23
Finish: 23
Balance: 23

Review
I had a sip of this particular malt a couple of years ago at a friends birthday and did not know what to make of it. But that had nothing to do with the malt – it was my unseasoned palate which could not truly appreciate this wonderful spirit.

The nose is lovely understated peat with a beautiful lemon honey sweetness. All of this is covered in a glaze of passion fruit sprinkled with a dash of sea salt. Finally a touch of apricot next to sausage on barbecue.

The strong palate is a squeeze of citric honey and peat with a healthy white pepper sprinkle. As the spirit mellows the salty fruits come out to play and add a layer of complexity to the proceedings. It’s a bold palate, thanks to the cask strength, and reminds me a little of the Lagavulin 12

The long peppery finish completes a wonderful lost distillery experience.

Rating: 92