Port Ellen 32 Year 1979 (2012 Special Release)

Had this at a whisky bar in Oslo...incredible balance. Some of the best I've ever had.

Note: this review is for a Port Ellen 24Y 2nd release Bottle# 0015 @ 59.23%--one dram purchased at the Lochranza Hotel bar on the Isle of Arran from a bottle about 9/10ths empty that had been sitting on the shelf for God knows how long. Three drops of water added--probably didn't need more than one, though. Now that we have the details out of the way... Very possibly one of the most profound whisky experiences I've had to date. Even considering the possibility that this bottle had been opened and sitting around for at least 5 years, it still had the most sublime balance of complexity and charm of any whisky I have ever tasted. Perhaps the oxidation improved it? If it didn't, then this one must have been stellar when it was first opened! I'm not the most experienced whisky connoiseur, but I've been around the block and this Port Ellen made me reasses all of my previous whisky opinions. At ~£1500 a bottle (still available, apparently) it is not the most expensive of the Port Ellens, but I hasten to think what could be better than this. Anyway, here are my brief tasting notes taken while sitting at the bar. They are brief because at the time I was far more into drinking the dram than deconstructing it into this or that note--trust me, it all came together delightfully. Nose: Light smoke, peat, honey, the sea--I could've just sat there with this at my nose for ever. Taste: Sooooo complex and very smooth (even at 59.23%) and not at all overbearing. Smoke, fruit, a little menthol and anise. Some deep savoury notes and salt. Best, most satisfying whisky I've had to date--enough said. Felt like robbery at £25/dram! 96+/100 MMB 10/07/16

Fucking delicious.

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 9th Release (2009)