Port Ellen – 5th Release 25 Year Old 1979 (70cl, 57.4%)

This is the fifth annual Port Ellen release from Diageo, part of its 2005 Special Releases. The whisky was distilled in 1979, bottled in 2005 at 25 years old and presented at natural cask strength of 57.4% ABV. The outturn was 5,280 bottles. The nose is farmy and tarry, turning grassy, with pumpkin soup, celery, aniseed, camphor and fuel oil. On the palate it is punchy and powerful, with salt, smoked tea, liquorice, kippers and a little mint. Water pushes the nose towards a more farmyard character and brings out dried pears and Earl Grey tea on the palate.