Port Ellen (silent) Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 18 Year Old · 1979 Vintage

Colour

Deep copper-gold with a rich amber core and mahogany-tinged edges.

Nose

Intense maritime peat and iodine lead the nose, a briny Islay storm tempered by sherry richness. Dark figs, prunes and orange zest mingle with cacao and treacle, while leather, tobacco, and spice—cinnamon and clove—peep through. Waxy vanilla and polished oak lend a velvet, warming backbone to the cask-strength aroma.

Palate

Powerful, maritime palate with brazen peat smoke and sea-salt tang, sharpened by cask strength. Rich sherry-cask sweetness coats the tongue—dark prune, fig and raisin—woven with cocoa, espresso and a touch of vanilla. Cinnamon and black pepper lift the spice, while the finish lingers with ash, leather and oak spice, slowly fading into a long, warm, resinous glow.

Finish

Long, searing peat and coastal iodine open the finish, then drift into a rich sherry sweetness. Dried fig, dark chocolate and toasted spice unfold, while a resinous oak taint lingers with peppery warmth. The tail is elegant and persistent, fading slowly to a savory, smoky glow that lingers well after the last sip.