Port Ellen

"Reopening ruled out" - that was the verdict on Port Ellen for decades, after the legendary Islay distillery closed its doors for the second and supposedly final time in May 1983, with its distilling licence permanently revoked in 1992. But what happened in 2024 proved that certainty wrong: following years of extensive renovation as part of a £185 million investment, Diageo officially reopened the "ghost distillery" on 19 March 2024 - complete with a faithful replica of the historic stills ("Phoenix Stills") and a second pair of stills for entirely new whisky styles. The legendary casks from before 1983 remain untouched by this: they remain among the most expensive and sought-after collector's items in the entire Scotch world.

GlenWyvis The Drover - Highland Legacy Series

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Natural Colour

Content: 0.7 Liter (€95.70 / 1 Liter)

Available, delivery time: 3-6 business business days

€66.99 UVP: €69.90 (4.16% saved)

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GlenWyvis Baineach - Highland Legacy Series - 1st Fill Ruby Port Barrique & Refill Oloroso Sherry Cask

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Natural Colour

Content: 0.7 Liter (€88.56 / 1 Liter)

Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days

€61.99 UVP: €64.90 (4.48% saved)

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GlenWyvis Single Malt 2023 Release

Food information

Natural Colour

Content: 0.7 Liter (€88.56 / 1 Liter)

Available, delivery time: 3-6 business business days

€61.99 UVP: €64.90 (4.48% saved)

Details & Buy

Has Port Ellen really reopened?

Yes - after more than 40 years of silence, Diageo officially brought the distillery back into operation on 19 March 2024, as part of a comprehensive £185 million investment in the Scotch whisky industry. The old casks filled before 1983 remain, independently of this, extremely rare and valuable.

What are the "Phoenix Stills"?

A pair of stills faithfully rebuilt to replicate the old distillery's historic stills - named after the mythological bird that rises from the ashes, fitting for the distillery's rebirth.

Flavour profile

Taste: Deep, full and spicy with a pronounced peat note, somewhat less powerful than Lagavulin or Ardbeg - an elegant, complex Islay style.

Recommended enjoyment: Old cask bottlings are extreme rarities for collectors; the new production since 2024 will yield its first mature bottlings in the coming years.

Facts and figures

Founded 1825 by Alexander Kerr Mackay. First closure 1929, reopened 1966. Second closure May 1983, licence revoked 1992. Reopened 19 March 2024 by Diageo (£185 million investment).