Whisky Focus - Douglas Laing XOP The Black Series, Port Ellen Vintage 1979

Glasgow based family-owned Scotch Whisky firm, Douglas Laing & Co has become known for its releases of Port Ellen Islay single malt whisky over the years since the Islay distillery closed due to the fact that they had the foresight to buy up stock back before it became so sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors, well the company has just announced the release of its oldest ever Port Ellen bottling - a 40 Year Old Single Cask which they have released within their Xtra Old Particular Black Series.

Distilled in December 1979 and bottled last month (January 2020), only 299 hand-filled bottles exist. Having been matured in a refill butt, the legendary Islay Whisky is described by DL as having a nose that is said to burst with peated barley and brown sugar. The palate reveals fudge, spices and chewed leather with a finish of iodine and smoke that lingers on and on.

Bottled without colouring or chill-filtration and at a natural Cask Strength of 49.6% and to confirm its quality and authenticity, Douglas Laing’s Chairman, Fred Laing, and Director of Whisky, Cara Laing, have hand-signed each and every label of this Single Cask Single Malt.

Commenting on their XOP The Black Series Port Ellen 40 Year Old, Cara Laing, Director of Whisky, said:

"Port Ellen is definitely a firm favourite Distillery for the Douglas Laing family. It was my grandfather’s - our Founder - favourite Whisky and one my dad Fred and I have enjoyed together on many a special occasion over the years. The inimitably elegant, complex and leathery style of this particular dram embodies everything we treasure about Islay’s most celebrated Distillery."

XOP The Black Series Port Ellen Vintage 1979 is available throughout Europe and Asia and as you can imagine you will need very deep pockets if you want to taste this one with an expected retail price of £3500. Just 299 bottles exist and no doubt you will soon find it available to purchase from specialist whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

• UK Shops
   
• USA Shops
   
• European Shops

Whisky Focus