Lot #17 Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old 1978

Overview

Port Ellen Prism is a 1.5ltr bespoke crystal decanter of the oldest ever official bottling of Port Ellen Single Malt Scotch Whisky, encased within a mesmerising one-of-a-kind sculptural artwork.

Details

Distilled in 1978 and bottled at 46 years, this is the oldest Port Ellen Single Malt Scotch Whisky ever released by the distillery.

Port Ellen Prism is presented as a singular 1.5-litre bespoke crystal decanter encased in a striking glass sculpture created by award winning artist Wilfried Grootens.

With a long and gentle maturation over nearly five decades, the whisky was first housed in refill hogshead casks before marrying in a refill American Oak puncheon for more than ten years.

Bottled at natural colour and cask strength, 57.8% ABV.

Port Ellen Prism is a visual presentation of the multi-layered depth of character of this exceptionally rare single malt. The design of the piece interprets the liquid’s depth of flavour into an artwork emanating from the core of the whisky, much like the iconic smoky character of Port Ellen.

Another chapter in the Atlas of Smoke, it reflects Port Ellen’s continued exploration of smoke, the distinctive flavour profile synonymous with Port Ellen whisky.

The sculpture is made from individual sheets of precisely painted glass, bonded together and polished to optical perfection, forming a three-dimensional image that shifts appearance as you move around it. His meticulous painting of each glass layer and its effect on the overall artwork mirrors the precision in whisky making at the distillery, where small experimental adjustments in the process impact the overall flavour experience of the whisky.

The magnum sized decanter which sits at the centre of Grootens’ piece was crafted by Radley’s, scientific glassmakers whose creations are more commonly found in laboratories, and Luzzo Bespoke engineers created the aluminium elements that allow the decanter to move from the centre of the sculpture onto a separate stand.

Tasting Notes

Notes: Embers linger and smoke meanders to the shore, gathering wonderfully luscious and unctuous fruit notes along the course. Notes of ripening currants, succulent blackberries and raspberry compote dance through wood polish and roasted aromas reminiscent of a melting dark chocolate baton.

Delectable fruits mingle with subtle suggestions of savoury spices star anise, clove, and nutmeg balanced with cinder toffee and vanilla pods. The coastal breeze arrives at the shore and the once smouldering smoke gives way to seaweed, flint and an enigmatic minerality. As the waves roll out to the horizon, soft sea spray floats in the air allowing a wisp of smouldering smoke and hints of plump berries to linger.

Appearance: Amber gold

Nose: Layers of flavour emanate from this expression of Port Ellen embers smoulder, luscious fruit notes coat the palate and subtle hints of spices weave through butterscotch sweetness.

Body: A full expression with layers of flavour and character.

Palate: Crushed ripened orchard fruits emerge, mingled with succulent notes of berries, cocoa and vanilla pods layering over smouldering smoke radiating from the core.

Finish: Hints of glowing embers linger on with subtle notes of spices and luscious plump berries.

A distinctive and unique expression of Port Ellen smouldering smoke emanating from the core, layered with beautiful and refined fruit aromas elegantly weaving through the expression.