17 September 2025

    • Port Ellen 40 Years Old 1979

    9 Rogue Casks

    Highest Bid
    £2,850.13
    RESERVE NOT MET
    Port Ellen 40 Years Old 1979
    9 Rogue Casks
    Lot #1400476
    FINISH DATE
    21 July 2025

    This silent Islay distillery has an untold story to tell the whiisky world. It's the story of 9 Rogue casks that were all laid down in two warehouses in 1979, then lost in time until discovered by Port Ellen's master distiller (Dr Craig Wilson). After sampling, he discovered each had its own defining character, that played off each other. So he started trying various combinations, in the end creating this silent beauty from the past at cask strength. Within those 9 casks, were 4 American Oak Hogsheads (Cask 1469, 1680, 1747 and 5176) and 5 European Oak Butts (Cask 4890, 4913, 4914, 6806 and 6816). From these 9 casks were created a total of 1380 bottles, that brings back this slumbering Distillery back to life in the 21st Century but retains the essence of its historic past.

    Port Ellen

    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.

    Lot Features
    • BOTTLER
      Official Bottling
    • CASK TYPE
      American Oak Hogsheads and European Oak Butts
    • DISTILLERY
      Port Ellen
    • TYPE
      Full Size
    • SIZE
      70 cl
    • STRENGTH
      50.9%
    Region
    Scotland, Islay
    Scotland, Islay

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