Port Ellen, once a “ghost” distillery on Islay known for its peated whisky, has been transformed into an ultra-exclusive and luxurious distillery with a polished blueprint. The distillery was closed in 1983 due to an overabundance of single malt whisky production in the area, leading to the financial stability of larger companies. Ewan Morgan, a whisky veteran and National Luxury Ambassador at Diageo North America, noted that Port Ellen was renowned for creating a sweet, smokey type of Islay whisky. To recreate the iconic whisky style, the new Port Ellen distillery has replicated the original stills from 1983 based on blueprints found in Diageo’s alcohol archive.
The reopening of Port Ellen aimed to create two different styles of whisky while maintaining the original flavor profile the distillery was known for. The modernized distillery features a luxury lounge where guests can enjoy a tea service with teas that emulate the flavor profile and mouthfeel of the whisky being produced. Appointment requests are required to visit Port Ellen, which offers a tasting of liquid from before the distillery closed in 1983, providing a unique luxury experience for whisky enthusiasts. While other distilleries on Islay, such as Caol IIa and Lagavulin, allow walk-ins, Port Ellen remains a private oasis that pays homage to its history as a ghost distillery.
Iain McArthur, a former employee of Port Ellen, recently retired after a notable career in whisky making. Regarded as a major celebrity in the whisky world, McArthur played a critical role in saving a remnant cask that is now used by Port Ellen to create Gemini, a newly released whisky. Before the distillery closed in 1983, McArthur saved the cask and transferred it from Port Ellen to Lagavulin, ultimately returning it back to Port Ellen for the recent bottling. His contribution to preserving this barrel is a testament to his dedication to the distillery’s legacy and the whisky industry.
The reopening of Port Ellen not only showcases the modernized and luxurious transformation of the distillery but also pays tribute to its historic roots through the use of preserved relics like the remnant cask saved by Iain McArthur. With a focus on recreating the original flavor profile of Port Ellen’s whisky and offering a unique tasting experience, the distillery provides an exclusive and sophisticated setting for whisky enthusiasts to explore. The combination of traditional elements with modern advancements reflects the distillery’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing innovation in the whisky-making process.
Visitors to the new Port Ellen distillery can expect a high-end experience that includes a tea service, tastings of liquid from before the distillery’s closure in 1983, and the opportunity to witness the recreation of the original stills based on historical blueprints. The distillery’s private nature and appointment-only policy set it apart from other distilleries on Islay, adding to its allure as an exclusive destination for whisky aficionados. Port Ellen’s revival as a luxury distillery with a nod to its ghostly past represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the whisky industry, offering a unique and immersive experience for visitors seeking a taste of Scotland’s renowned peated whiskies.
