Whisky Reviews/Review 097

Port Ellen 8th Annual Release 1978 2008 29 Years Old 55,3%

Available at Amber RoomPort Ellen · Explore distillery
90.5

Amber Room ReviewIndependent tasting notes

Reviewed 20 May 2026 ·View daily archive

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Bottling type
Official Bottling
Age
29 years
ABV
55.3%
Vintage
1978
Bottled
2008

In the glass

Tasting Notes

1 Amber Room Review

Amber Room Review

Port Ellen 8th Annual Release 1978 2008 29 Years Old 55,3%

20 May 2026
90.5

Nose

The nose is less complex compared the the 9th release, with more focus on the smoke rather than the sweetness

Body

The taste is much more one-dimensional compared to the 9th release, as it is almost completely dominated by the sweetness rather than a balance of maritime smoke & peat, only with water does the smoke comes out more prominently & especially during the aftertaste, oyster, salty, and a much more balanced mix of peat & smoke

Finish

The peat smokiness lingers for a while, even with a healthy dose of water

Other perspectives

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