Port Ellen – 1981 Feis Ile 2008 Natural Cask Strength (70cl, 54.7%)

This is a Port Ellen filled in 1981 and bottled for the 2008 Islay Music and Whisky Festival, Feis Ile. It comes at a natural cask strength of 54.7% in a 70cl bottle. It was the first single cask release from Port Ellen, with around 220 bottles filled. The nose combines smoked fish and kippers with vanilla custard, dandelions, brown coal and gingerbread. On the palate it opens gently with orange marmalade and smoked tea, then turns peatier, with lemon peel, coriander and crème brûlée. The finish is very long and softens towards pineapple drops and honey.