The Auld Alliance

ISLAY

Very peaty but clean and drinkable at the same time.

It seems unthinkable that Port Ellen should be closed, with Islay whiskies as popular as they are now. Still, it is and will not reopen in its current form so it is looking like a hot tip to collect.

Built in 1825, the Distillery has had a difficult past, closed from 1929 and only re-opened in 1967 to enjoy only a seemingly final 17 years production. Acquired by UDV, Port Ellen became surplus to requirements with the company's presence in Lagavulin providing an Islay malt for the group and Caol Ila generating output for blended whiskies.

Much of the inner workings of the Distillery and the exterior building remained standing for a long time, but sadly, the stillhouse was demolished in 2003.