Signatory Port Ellen 1979

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 23 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Faint sea echo. Distant peat. Sea-scallop. Vanilla. Custard. Orange sherbet. Touch of lavender. Palate Light, sweet and gentle. Maltier, then marine. Finish Warm, dry, open-hearted. Water brings back peaty flavour. Comment A rather pleasant dram but a paler version of Port Ellen.

Dave Broom Nose Lean, green olive/sap with a belch of kiln smoke behind. Water shows immense smokiness: tarry ropes, sea thrift, fishermen’s jumpers and a little burst of citrus. Palate Direct, dry. More of the kiln than the seashore. Oily. Finish Smoky, dry. Comment The smokier of the two, but doesn’t have the roundness and complexity of the ’78.