Port Ellen – 1979 Natural Cask Strength 22 Year Old - 1st Release (70cl, 56.20%)

Port Ellen – 1979 Natural Cask Strength 22 Year Old - 1st Release is a single malt whisky from Port Ellen (Islay). Aged 22 years, bottled at 56.20% ABV, 70cl. Included in the debut 2001 Diageo Special Release collection, this was the first ever bottling of Port Ellen produced using its own dedicated branding. It was only the fourth ever distillery bottling, following two Rare Malts Selection releases in 1998 and 2000, and the 1980 bottling to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Port Ellen Maltings. An Islay distillery that developed a cult status following its closure by Distillery Company in 1983. Originally only providing fillings for blends, its single had become hugely sought-after by the turn of the 21st century, so much so in fact that it was re-opened again by Diageo in 2024.