Hunter Laing & Co has launched Eidolon 36 Year Old, the first release in a new bottling series created to showcase Port Ellen Whiskies. The new collection from the family-owned distiller, blender and bottler will feature three expressions from Port Ellen distilled in 1983, shortly before the distillery was shuttered.
Hunter Laing Eidolon 36 Year Old has been bottled at cask strength of 53.5% ABV without artificial colouring or chill filtration.The series takes its name from ancient Greek literature, where “Eidolon” means something memorable from history. Just 638 bottles of the limited-edition Port Ellen Islay Single Malt will be available for purchase.
“We are pleased to offer Islay enthusiasts this exceptional malt whisky in our new Eidolon presentation, which will only feature whiskies from Port Ellen Distillery,” said founder Stewart Laing. “It is without a doubt a whisky of contrast – both a testament to historic wisdom and a celebration of modern whisky expertise.
“The Eidolon casks were carefully set aside some years ago for additional ageing and we now believe they have reached the peak of their complexity and character.”
Brothers Scott and Andrew added, “A new generation of whisky perfectionists have, in turn, been fortunate to taste this increasingly rare spirit over the years, continuing to protect and nurture the casks across seasons and time. We have spent a great deal of time in designing the presentation and we believe that it does justice to the quality and rarity of the whisky inside.
The 53.5% ABV Eidolon first release can be found at specially selected Whisky retailers worldwide and is coming soon to the Ardnahoe Distillery website.
In November, Hunter Laing & Co expanded its Scarabus Series with 10 Year Old and Batch Strength Whiskies. The new additions to the single malt range from the Scotch bottler joins the Scarabus Specially Selected, which was unveiled in May of last year.