Port Ellen 9th release
21 Oct 2009 | Port Ellen

The Port Ellen 9th annual release is probably one of the most anticipated bottlings of the yearly Diageo special releases. This is the first official 30 years Port Ellen. While some shops have already sold their complete allocation, you can still find some bottles. I’ve compared it to the 6th and 7th release (which will be posted in the near future).


Port Ellen 9th release 30yo 1979
(57,7%, OB 2009)
Nose: seems a bit more modest than most previous bottlings. The peat influence is rather soft and the grist is coated in a honeyed sweetness. Dried fruits and pears. More medicinal notes than other official PE’s. Slightly mentholated. Lemons and a touch of vanilla. Apples. A confident 30yo gentleman really. Mouth: coating mouth-feel, sweet delivery with a coal smoke centre. Soon the spices kick in (pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg). Hints of salty liquorice. Powerful and balanced. Finish: long, still quite sweet, fading on smoke, spices and liquorice.

After an 8th release with seamingly disappointed comments, this is a rewarding high-class dram. Especially the nose is excellent. Around € 260.

Score: 91/100
Kilde: http://www.whiskynotes.be/