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Unveil a legendary chapter of closed-distillery history with Port Ellen 29 Year Old 1978 – 8th Annual Release. Distilled in the spring of 1978 and bottled in 2008 for Diageo’s Special Releases, this expression spent nearly three decades resting in a small parcel of refill American- and European-oak casks before being married and bottled at a commanding 55.3 % ABV. Limited to 6,618 individually numbered bottles, the 8th Release captures Port Ellen’s signature balance of crystalline coastal peat, elegant citrus and polished oak—an Islay treasure from a distillery that fell silent in 1983.

Why We Think You’ll Love It:

  • From the silent Port Ellen distillery—an iconic collectible for any Islay aficionado.

  • 29 years of maturation in refill bourbon and sherry wood yield a seamless fusion of smoke, fruit and mature oak.

  • Bottled for the 2008 Diageo Special Releases at cask strength (55.3 % ABV), natural colour and unchill-filtered.

  • Strictly limited to 6,618 bottles, providing a rare opportunity to experience Port Ellen’s legendary coastal elegance and complex peat in its prime.

Immerse yourself in a bygone era of Islay whisky with this 8th Annual Release—where Port Ellen’s ethereal smoke meets decades of graceful maturation in a dram of timeless prestige.

Bottle Information

Bottler: Distillery
Cask Type: Refill American & European Oak
ABV: 55.30%
Region: Islay
Age: 29 Year Old
Vintage: 1978
Number of Bottles: 6618

Tasting Notes

Nose: Refined kiln smoke, sea-spray and hemp rope intertwine with notes of lemon zest, vanilla cream and distant wax-polished antique wood. Palate: A silky tide of briny peat embers, cracked pepper and liquorice root rolls in, revealing layers of candied citrus, honeyed malt and subtle almond pastry. Finish: Long, dry and maritime—lingering ash, gentle medicinal tones and a final flourish of sweet oak and salted caramel.

Port Ellen 29 Year Old 1978 8th Annual Release

Regular price £1,800.00 GBP
Regular price Sale price £1,800.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
£1,500.00 GBP ex VAT

UK Delivery within 2-3 working days. Or get it next business day* if you order in the next: (*excl. Highlands & Islands)

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