Port Ellen – 7th Release 28 Year Old 1979 (70cl, 53.8%)

This is the 7th Release of Port Ellen, an annual release from Diageo. It is an Islay single malt distilled in 1979 and bottled in 2007 at 28 years old, at a natural cask strength of 53.8% in a 70cl bottle. 5,274 bottles were released. The nose is complex, with big peat smoke melted into soaked grains, porridge and wet ropes, alongside crystallised lemons, lemon honey and vanilla crème. The palate brings tangerines, smoked tea, green Chartreuse and liquorice roots, growing more bitter and herbal. The finish is long, with marzipan, green walnuts, kippers and sea water.