Home / Whiskey / Port Ellen 17th release 37yo

9.2

Port Ellen 17th release 37yo

Name: Port Ellen 17th release 37yo
Brand: Port Ellen 17th release 37yo

Scotland Malt Score: 9.2/10

Port Ellen 17th release 37yo is a highly acclaimed Malt whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 9.2/10, it features distinctive notes of Apple, Barley, Brine. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking malt expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

The Port Ellen 17th Release 37-Year-Old is another exceptional bottling from the now-closed Islay distillery. This release, part of the annual Port Ellen Special Release series by Diageo, has garnered significant attention for its age, complexity, and refinement. With only a few casks available for bottling, this whisky represents the legacy of a distillery that closed in 1983 but continues to influence the whisky world through these rare and coveted expressions.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose is a complex and layered experience, with the classic Port Ellen peat smoke at the forefront, but it's remarkably gentle and refined due to the long aging process. The smoky profile is more subtle compared to younger expressions but still unmistakably Islay, with an underlying sea breeze and hints of seaweed and brine. As the whisky opens up, you get notes of toasted oak, vanilla pod, and honeycomb, along with nuances of lemon zest, dried herbs, and a faint touch of dark chocolate. There’s also an intriguing element of dried fruit, with dried apricots and a hint of fig.

TASTE: On the palate, the whisky is luxurious and full-bodied with a beautiful balance of peat smoke and oak-derived sweetness. The initial taste is deep and earthy with smoked barley, tobacco, and a slight charred wood note, which gives way to a creamy, rich sweetness reminiscent of baked apple, butterscotch, and brown sugar. There’s a touch of spiced citrus, perhaps orange peel or candied lemon, mingling with darker notes of dried fruits like figs and raisins. The texture is smooth, almost oily, with an incredible depth that speaks to the long maturation.

FINISH: The finish is long, warm, and incredibly satisfying. It begins with a lingering peat smoke, complemented by a subtle saltiness that recalls the distillery’s coastal origins. There's a gentle sweetness from the oak, with flavors of honey, vanilla, and a touch of toffee. As the finish fades, there’s a slight mentholated freshness that cleanses the palate, leaving behind a lingering, satisfying combination of smoke, dried fruit, and a touch of peppery spice.

Flavor Profile

Apple Barley Brine Brown Sugar Butterscotch Dark Chocolate Dried Honey Lemon Oak Orange Peat Pepper Salt Seaweed Smoke Toast Tobacco Toffee Vanilla Zest

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Port Ellen 17th release 37yo

What type of whiskey is Port Ellen 17th release 37yo?

Port Ellen 17th release 37yo is a Malt whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Port Ellen 17th release 37yo?

For the best tasting experience, pour Port Ellen 17th release 37yo into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Port Ellen 17th release 37yo?

Port Ellen 17th release 37yo pairs excellently with smoked salmon, oysters, and strong cheeses. The smoky character matches beautifully with seafood and robust flavors.

What are the main flavor notes in Port Ellen 17th release 37yo?

The flavor profile of Port Ellen 17th release 37yo features Apple, Barley, Brine, Brown Sugar, Butterscotch. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.