The Port Ellen Untold Story Series, according to those behind it, was created with an eye towards telling the background story of this distillery. It represents one of the first times we’ve seen Port Ellen in an official standalone capacity (besides the Special Releases, it has shown up in a focused Johnnie Walker expression and also as a travel retail exclusive). For its debut, Diageo has kicked out a 39 year old bottling dubbed The Spirit Safe.
“Setting a rare precedent for exceptional whisky since the beginning in 1825,” said Georgie Crawford, Master Distiller at Port Ellen, in a prepared statement, “this release is a perfect exploration of how early innovation at the distillery played a role in shaping the whisky industry as a whole. There’s an ethereal quality to Port Ellen and to the distillery itself. It is not easy to grasp what makes it so unique, but the people definitely matter.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
“John Ramsay was an early innovator in the whisky industry, and not many people know how important Port Ellen was in the early days of the whisky industry. Through this release we hope to give more insight into why it is so special a liquid, not just for its flavour, but for its history.”
“This Port Ellen: Untold Stories The Spirit Safe, 39-Year-Old, is an exceptional Single Malt Scotch whisky from this storied distillery on Islay,” added Tom Jones, Diageo Global Prestige Brand Ambassador. “Its ground-breaking founder skillfully harnessed the islands alluring, peaty wilderness and unforgiving coast line to create a distillery which produced cult whiskies with unrivaled depth. There is the regular smoke from the local peat, but this one is softer.
Trending Content
“As this release has been selected from a small number of casks, it is very different to other Port Ellen releases. Authentic in character, as it came from the casks and natural in colour, this liquid will no doubt inspire connoisseurs and collectors alike to own this once in a lifetime piece of history.”
As it stands now plans call for a global release of this Port Ellen expression in April, with just 1,500 bottles being available and pricing at a whopping £4,500, or around $5,960 USD. Limited official tasting notes suggest this release “embodies the regular smoke from the local Islay peat, but comes across slightly softer. Radiant in appearance, with exquisite beading, its smooth texture and sweet, salty then smoky taste gives a complex yet balanced finish.”
