We don’t have a lot details about Douglas Murdoch. The model originated as a subsidiary of Campbell & Clark, a mixing firm based in 1934. The mom group additionally owned distilleries reminiscent of Glenury Royal, Glenlochy, Benromach and Fettercairn.
In 1992 and 1993 Douglas Murdoch bottled three Port Ellen expressions, one Ledaig and a few blends. After two years the title fell into disuse and your entire group was dissolved within the early 2000s.
Port Ellen 13 yo 1979 (40%, Douglas Murdoch)
Nostril: fairly slender, with a agency medicinal footprint, seaside sand and a mixture of seaweed and ginger. There’s a trace of lemon cake within the distance however the salty peat, antiseptics and tarry fisherman’s ropes are greater. Hints of interior bicycle tubes come out as nicely.
Mouth: there’s clear peat however not a variety of smoke. It’s extra on coastal, saline notes, with a lightweight prickle. Large ashy notes too. Later some candy herbs seem, and even a obscure trace of honey. That is similar to a middle-aged Caol Ila these days – let’s simply hope sufficient of that’s put apart for bottling at a better age.
End: not too lengthy, specializing in chilly ashes, mineral oils and smoky notes.
Good to see the sharpness of Port Ellen shines by regardless of the modest bottling energy. I’m satisfied the rating could be larger with a bit of additional oomph, and naturally the older expressions are undoubtedly taking part in in a special league. Nonetheless it’s fascinating to strive a legendary distillery early on in its growth. You may nonetheless purchase this from The Whisky Alternate as an example – in actual fact it’s one of many most cost-effective Port Ellen bottles they’ve on supply proper now.
90
