Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980

For decades Port Ellen was the lost jewel in the Islay crown, closed down by DCL (now Diageo) in 1983 due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest in it as a single malt. However, it developed a legendary status over the years and in 2017 Diageo eventually announced plans to re-open it. The work was completed in 2024, and the first spirit was distilled in March that year. This very rare 12 year old was bottled for attendees of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1980, and is believed to have been the only distillery bottling produced in its first years of operation. Diageo then bottled the first publicly available distillery bottlings as part of the Rare Malts Selection, followed by the annual special releases.

The exact number of bottles is unknown, but it is accepted that enough were filled so that the Queen and all senior staff present on the day could have one. Estimates are that around 40 were made. As the distillery did not have its own single malt brand or bottling operation at the time, the same glass used by DCL blenders, John Hopkins, for its Oban single malts were acquired for the job.

In terms of taste, it has the reputation of being a truly outstanding dram. Indeed, this is the only whisky to score a near-perfect 99/100 on WhiskyFun.com, the highest rating Serge Valentin has ever awarded.

With it currently being unavailable in even the most specialist of whisky retailers, this is genuinely a 'money can't buy' opportunity for any whisky enthusiast.

Please note, that there is no ABV or volume stated on the bottle.