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Next Auction starts Friday 29 March. Bottle Deadline: 18 March.

Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980

Lot: 318912

Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980

Winning Bid: £72,000
(Reserve has been met) This lot currently has: 61 bids

Currency Estimate

Important: Currency exchange rates are constantly changing; this feature is to be used as a guide price only. All final transactions occur in British Pounds (£).
Lot:
Distillery: 
Port Ellen
Age: 
12 Year Old
Vintage: 
N/A
Region: 
Islay
Bottler: 
Official
Cask Type: 
N/A
Bottled Strength: 
N/A
Bottle Size: 
Full size
Distillery Status: 
Closed
product Details

Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980

Port Ellen is 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. It has developed a legendary status in the years since. 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 years of operation. Diageo later 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 was 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 the strength is not stated. 

Important Notice

We would recommend viewing/close inspection prior to placing any bids. If this is not an option and you have questions beyond the offered description and images, please contact us for a more in-depth condition report. Otherwise lots will be sold as seen in the images.

Please note: Due to the various ages of bottles and their seals, condition of liquid is at the buyer's discretion and no claim can be lodged against failure/leakage in transit.