Port Ellen – 1979 Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old (70cl, 61.1%)

This is a Port Ellen from 1979, an Islay single malt bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in its Rare Old range. Port Ellen is now a silent distillery. It is a cask-strength bottling at 61.1% ABV in a 70cl bottle, with 610 bottles produced. The nose offers red apples, dried apricots and ripe cherries, with nutmeg, fennel and seasoned oak. The palate opens with butterscotch and orchard fruits, then toasted almonds and a touch of sea salt. The finish is long, with caramel and gentle spice.