Port Ellen 19, 1982-2002, Douglas McGibbon's Provenance, 43% abv.

Mix of two sherry butts. A lot of PE bottlings distilled in 1982. Douglas McGibbon's Provenance is one of the multitude of brands the Laings release, with the label indicating the season of distillation and bottling (spring, summer, autumn, winter). This brand ended up in Douglas Laing's portfolio after the split, marketed as the precursor to Old Particular. The origin story says Douglas McGibbon & Co. was started by Fred D. Laing one year before starting Douglas Laing & Co. McGibbon is Fred D. Laing's wife's maiden name. I don't believe Provenance was part of McGibbon's original labels.

Nose: generally sweet, in-between apple grapes and raisins, gets closer to BBQ sauce with more air time. I guess thisnis the sweet side of PE coming out.

Palate: light, apples and grapes, general red and green fruit sweetness, the sweetness transitions into a back palate of some light peat and smoked leaves. Something isn't right here though.

Finish: short, peaty but ends being sweet.

The bartender told me this is more sherry than peat smoke for a Port Ellen. I think it's a good balance between the two, but both are not intense, leaving much to be desired. I've had Port Ellens where the smoke and fruit are more distinguishable on the tongue, as in separate phases, but this bottling sort of combines them initially and separates them at the end. Perhaps it's because of the low abv, which doesn't seem to bring forth powerful flavors. Its a good dram, showcases two aspects, fruity sweetness and peat smoke, quite well. Nothing too harsh, but enough to give the taster an experience.

Grade: C+

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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