Port Ellen 5th Release 25 Years Old 1979 bottled 2005 Diageo Special Releases 57.4% alc by vol. 700ml

Port Ellen 5th Release: A piece of whisky history - report on the 25th anniversary bottling from 1979 (2005)

The Port Ellen 5th Release (1979 Vintage, bottled 2005) from the Diageo Special Releases is far more than just a whisky - it is a legend from a disused distillery and a sought-after collector's item of the highest calibre. Here is a detailed report:

1. the essence:

• Distillery: Port Ellen (Islay) - Closed since 1983, each bottling is a precious relic.

• Age: 25 years (Distilled 1979, Bottled 2005).

• Bottling: Part of the prestigious Diageo Special Releases series (2005).

• Quantity bottled: Only 6,000 bottles worldwide.

• Alcohol content: 57.4% vol. (Cask Strength - natural cask strength).

• Cask type: Presumably predominantly refill American oak hogsheads (typical of the PE bottlings of the time), which emphasise the elegant smoke and the maritime note.

2. sensory profile (based on expert reports & tastings):

• Colour: Light gold to medium amber (natural, uncoloured).

• Nose : Elegantly smoky (much less dominant than Ardbeg/Laphroaig), carried by fresh seaweed, iodised salt and burnt lemon peel. Ripe exotic fruits (pineapple, mango), vanilla, honey, delicate wax notes and a characteristic petrochemical/creosote-like depth (typical of old Port Ellen) are layered underneath. Complex and multi-layered.

• Palate: Powerful but balanced. The smoky-salty entry (smoked fish, seawater) combines harmoniously with sweet fruit notes (pear, peach, citrus) and creamy vanilla. Distinct spicy aspects (pepper, nutmeg), mineral notes (quarry, graphite) and a subtle tart bitter note (walnut, dark chocolate) emerge. The texture is oily and full-bodied.

• Finish: Very long, warm and persistent. The smoke (more smouldering than burning) retreats elegantly and makes way for lingering spice, salty caramel notes, dried fruit and a cool, mineral character. The complexity remains until the end.

3. significance & classification:

• Historic gem:distilled in the distillery's final years of operation, this whisky represents the classic, highly prized Port Ellen style: elegant, smoky, complex and unmistakably maritime.

• Early Special Release:As the 5th release in the series (2001-2005), it is one of the early and particularly sought-after bottlings from the Port Ellen stock.

• Collector's status:Due to its rarity (only 6,000 bottles), the historical significance of the distillery and its outstanding quality, this bottle is an absolute jewel in the crown for collectors. It has become practically priceless.

• Investment: The value has risen astronomically since the sale price in 2005. Today, intact bottles are regularly traded in the high four-digit euro range at auctions.

4. evaluation & conclusion:

• Quality:Outstanding. It represents the maturity and complexity for which Port Ellen is famous. The cask strength presents the character unadulterated and powerful.

• Rarity: Extremely high. Unique.

• Experience:Opening a bottle like this would be a momentous occasion for any whisky enthusiast. It offers a deep sensory journey into the history of Islay whisky production.

• Reviews: Consistently awarded very high scores (90+/100) by experts and platforms such as Whiskybase, with the rarity and significance further fuelling the myth.

Summary:
The Port Ellen 5th Release 25 Years Old from 1979 (2005) is an absolute icon of the whisky world. More than just an outstanding Islay malt, it is a piece of drinkable historyfrom a revered, lost distillery. Its elegance, complex maritime smokiness and fascinating depth at 57.4% make it an unforgettable experience - but unfortunately for the vast majority, it can only be admired from afar. It exemplifies the cult status that Port Ellen enjoys and is a sought-after collector's item of inestimable value.