Port Ellen 1981

Port Ellen was down as a lost distillery until Diageo revealed plans to revive this iconic Islay whisky. Originally closed in 1983 as part of the widespread cutbacks, its fame has endured thanks to a series of top-notch Special Releases that spanned 17 incarnations. As stocks became more scarce other options were considered. Eventually, Diageo realised that a better option would be to rebuild the distillery, which had been partially converted to become the main maltings on the island. A bigger rebuild than Brora, which had remained mothballed, expectations around Port Ellen are high. Production is expected to resume in 2021 on a small scale, allowing visitors to experience this famous name from the past, revived for a new generation. It might not be Port Ellen as we knew it, but we’re expecting a thorough restoration.