Whisky Forum - Port Ellen 1979 old n rare 30yo 53.3

sorren

I'm not sure what to make of it, I would buy it if it was normal money but I would never pay the kind of money port Ellen's are going for now, my thoughts are ..
Nose .. Smokey ( obviously) not overpowering peat but it's certainly there, I believe I get citrus, lemon peel, vanillas and oak.

Palate.. There is the smoke, it's ok just like being stood next to a bonfire, peat, I'm not sure my palate can get much from this other than that, I can pick up the oaky vanilla tannings, burnt sugar, a slight lemon flavour, spicy / pepper taste, but I am struggling to really get past the peat smoke...

Finish.. It's quite long, smoky woody taste, in a good way,
It's a pleasant dram, the age has mellowed it, I wouldn't say it's the best port Ellen I've had,

I need something else now, so Glenfarclas 15 to finish the night

Quaich1 · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 6:35 pm Post subject:

Hi Sorren. Did you try a bit of dram with a few drops of water to see how it opens? I do have a soft spot for Port Ellen's and never really had one I didn't like.
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sorren · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 6:41 pm Post subject:

Yes I did, but I really struggle to get past peat and heavy smoke with these drama, I think that's why I like my toshans , they are delicate not too many overpowering tastes, but saying that I do find the older islays to be more mellow and therefore more to my palate..

Quaich1 · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:18 pm Post subject:

sorren · Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:41 pm Post subject:

Sorry I would not know as have not bought or had any samples, I stick to the odd lag 16 distillers edition, port Ellen, older caol ila, as you know I do not enjoy the peat stuff so really don't buy a lot other than for collection and to offer friends who pop round,