Whisky Review/Tasting: Port Ellen 37 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1979, matured in refill American oak hogsheads and butts, bottled in 2017.
Age Statement: 37 years old.
Color: Deep 18 karat gold.
Bottle Design: Part of Diageo's Special Releases 2017, the 17th annual release, with individually numbered bottles (2,988 worldwide).

Nose: Smoky with immediate citrus notes, tropical fruit, and as it develops, more smoke, leather, and old tobacco tin.
Palate: Initially sweet with a slight oiliness and good mouthfeel, hints of chocolate (not too dominant), and a friendly cask influence without excessive bitterness.
Finish: Long, with increasing spiciness, a winey hint, and stronger smoke over time. The complexity includes distillery character with citrus notes, old smokiness, and maturation in American white oak.

Distillery History: Port Ellen was established in 1825, developed into a major distillery under John Ramsey from 1833, rebuilt in 1967, and closed in 1983 due to the British recession.
Reopening News: Port Ellen is set to reopen, with expectations of new single malt releases by 2022.
Collector's Hunt: There's a constant hunt for these bottles by connoisseurs, with some owning all 17 releases in the series.

Port Ellen holds a significant place in Scotch whisky history as a closed distillery on Islay's famous south coast, known for its peated whiskies. Its reopening is highly anticipated within the whisky community.

"Very, very few connoisseurs or collectors out on the market which have all the 17 bottles in a row."
"This is really complex, full, mature and from time to time I do not like Port Ellen... but this one is a really complex, mature, old, mouth-friendly single malt."

Port Ellen 37 Years is a rare and highly sought-after single malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2017 as part of Diageo's Special Releases.
It features a complex flavor profile with smoky, citrus, and tropical fruit notes, a sweet and slightly oily palate with hints of chocolate, and a long, spicy, and smoky finish.
The distillery's history, closure, and upcoming reopening add to the whisky's allure, making it a prized possession among collectors.
The whisky is appreciated for its complexity, maturity, and harmonious balance of flavors.

Whisky Collectors: Given its rarity and place in Diageo's Special Releases, collectors would highly value this whisky.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a palate for aged, complex single malts would appreciate the depth and maturity of Port Ellen 37 Years.
Investors: Given the whisky's potential for appreciation in value, it could be a worthwhile investment for those looking to diversify their portfolio with collectible spirits.