Port Ellen 1979 22 Year Old First Release (2001)Distillery Bottling 70cl / 56.2%

Port Ellen 1979 22 Year Old 1st Release (bottled 2001) is the original chapter in one of Scotch whisky’s most iconic modern series: the Port Ellen Annual Releases. Distilled in 1979 and bottled at cask strength (56.2%) after 22 years’ maturation, it comes from the legendary Islay distillery that closed in 1983 and has since become a benchmark name for collectors. With a stated outturn of 6,000 bottles and the “first release” status, this is a cornerstone bottle for any serious Port Ellen-focused collection.

Key Details
- Distillery: Port Ellen (closed 1983)
- Region: Islay, Scotland
- Style: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Bottler: Distillery bottling
- Series: Annual Release – 1st Release
- Vintage/Distilled: 1979
- Bottled: 2001
- Age: 22 Year Old
- ABV: 56.2% (cask strength)
- Bottle Size: 70cl
- Outturn: 6,000 bottles
- Colouring: Yes (caramel colouring stated)
- Packaging: Original box included
- Fill Level: Just above shoulder

Tasting Notes (typical profile for mature Port Ellen at cask strength)
Nose: Dense coastal smoke, tarry rope and sea spray, with lemon oil, waxy notes and a subtle medicinal edge.
Palate: Powerful and structured — smoky citrus, brine, peppery spice and mineral dryness, with layers of oily peat, gentle sweetness and drying oak.
Finish: Long, salty and smoky, with lingering citrus peel, soot, coastal minerals and warming spice.

Why This Bottle Is Worth Bidding On
- The first ever Port Ellen Annual Release: historically significant within the series and widely viewed as a “must-have” reference bottle.
- Closed distillery prestige: Port Ellen remains one of the most sought-after Islay names, with demand driven by scarcity and reputation.
- High-strength, age-stated distillery bottling with clear collector fundamentals (1st release status, known outturn, original box, strong presentation).

Condition / Notes for Buyers
Original box included. Fill level is just above shoulder, which is a key positive for a bottle of this age. As always, please review photos closely for label condition, capsule integrity and any box wear