Port Ellen 28 Year Old 1983 Malts of Scotland

I recently read, on that blue social networking site, the following comment: ‘There are other malts out there than just Port Ellen, you know!?. True, but that does not detract from the feast every time you pour a PE past the lips, does it? This is only my 15th, so I have every reason to continue. I will do so whit this rather pale 28 Year Old from 1983, the year in which the distillery closed.

The nose is very sweet and fruity. Turkish delight, lots of citrusy notes: lemon, dried oranges and grapefruit. Granulated sugar and vanilla. Then (as expected, I would say) it delivers the typical Islay aroma of seaweed and salt, smoke and sweet peat. The whole is delightfully soft and accessible, almost feminine.

As soft as it is on the nose, so powerful is the attack. Again a lot of citrus (more than on the nose), but quite peppery. Powerful and big. It does remain exceptionally sweet and I must confess, I like it a lot! Despite the very high ABV, it is perfectly quaffable.

The medium long finish offers the same tastes. But when something is quasi perfect, one can only cheer.

Let us be honest: this is excellent Port Ellen at an affordable price. Affordable? This is 200 EUR! True, but it is at least as good as the official releases, probably even better (I have to tread carefully here, as I have only the fantastic 7th Release on the shelf). Those OB releases cost at least 50% more. Come on, Santa, make my day!

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