Port Ellen – 1982 20 Year Old Silver Seal (70cl, 40%)

Port Ellen – 1982 20 Year Old Silver Seal is a whisky from Port Ellen (Islay). Aged 20 years, bottled at 40% ABV, 70cl. Opened in 1824, Port Ellen was managed in its early days by 21 year old John Ramsay (imagine running a distillery at 21!). A shrewd businessman, Ramsay became a partner in the steamer boat company that made supply runs between the island and the city of Glasgow. This no doubt played a part in the town of Port Ellen also becoming the defacto ferry terminal. In 1925 the distillery was acquired by DCL, but it always played second fiddle to bigger siblings, Caol Ila and Lagavulin. Production during this period came in fits and starts, and in 1983 during a downturn in global demand for Scotch, DCL decided to pull the plug on the runt of their litter. However, while the distillery itself may be gone, stocks of Port Ellen whisky remain; and thanks to the use of refill casks to create a signature style less oaked than it’s contemporaries (and one that ages extremely well), demand amongst collectors and connoisseurs continues to soar as supply dwindles. Silver Seal are, in a roundabout way, something of a successor to the iconic Sestante - an Italian independent bottler which operated until the early 1990’s. Indeed, Silver Seal owner Massimo Righi is aided in his search for the best casks of rare whisky and rum by one of Sestante’s original founders. Although they are far from prolific in output, they are held in high regard by whisky drinkers and collectors alike. Port Ellen Please note wear to carton