Port Ellen Scotch Whisky
Port Ellen Scotch whisky distillery is located 1 mile west of Laphroig and was founded in 1825 by Alexander Mackay.
In 1836 the distillery was sold to John Ramsay. He pioneered export to the USA, developed the spirit safe and persuaded the government to allow Islay whiskies to be bonded free of duty.
Also under John Ramsey the distillery was the location of some of the earliest experiments into continuous distillation with both Stein and Coffey, originators of Grain whisky distillation.
Buchanan-Dewar bought the distillery in 1920. They in turn were taken over by DCL in 1927and the distillery was mothballed 1930.
It was reopened in 1967 and the number of stills was doubled to four.
A Large malting facility was built opposite the distillery in 1973.
The distillery was mothballed in 1983 and finally closed permanently in 1987.
The site is now warehousing for DCLs' other Islay distilleries. It is also home of a large malt plant, which supplies the remaining distilleries on the island, thanks to an official agreement signed to secure employment for the island’s workforce.
Port Ellen Whisky Tasting Notes
Distillery Style
Nose : Medicinal, smoky, peaty, salty, green olives.
Palate : Medium bodied. Lovely oily texture with layer upon
layer of complex peat flavours, smoke, herbs,
vanilla, spices and kippers.
Finish : Very long and smoky.
