Exclusive whisky tasting to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Port Ellen distillery

Sep 24

2 min read

Whisky enthusiasts are being offered the chance to attend a once-in-a-lifetime tasting to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Port Ellen distillery, while raising donations for the MacLean Brothers’ ‘Rowing for Clean Water’ initiative.

Only 15 places are available through an online auction. To enter the ticket auction, all donations must be made by 30 September. The winners will be notified by email, by 7 October.

The centrepiece of the evening will be the 22-year-old Port Ellen First Release, one of the rarest and most sought-after Islay whiskies ever bottled. Guests will enjoy this dram in the company of whisky specialist, Fraser Campbell and whisky writer Dave Broom, who will guide them through the story and legacy of Port Ellen.

To add to the experience, guests will also be welcomed with specially crafted Fever-Tree highballs.

The event will take place on Wednesday 19 November, from 8-10pm, at a secret Edinburgh venue, revealed only to the top-15 successful donors.

The tasting marks two centuries since Port Ellen first opened its doors. After being shuttered for four decades, the distillery is making its return to production in its 200th year.

Beyond the whisky, the evening has a deeper purpose, of raising vital funds for the MacLean Foundation, founded after the MacLean Brothers’ extraordinary 9,000-mile unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. To date, the foundation has already raised over £1m for clean-water projects in Madagascar, transforming the lives of thousands of people.

Whisky specialist Fraser Campbell said: “This is a celebration of journeys and overcoming the odds to bring people together – with a nod to the iconic Port Ellen distillery, making its triumphant return to whisky production, as it celebrates its 200th year – and of course raising a cheers and a very special dram to the MacLean Brothers’ inspirational success.

"The only way to celebrate the triumphs of both properly, is by opening a very rare Port Ellen bottling so that a select few can enjoy it while we raise funds to contribute to the MacLean Foundation’s incredible endeavours.”

To enter the auction, a donation of £50 or more is required, to the MacLean Foundation, through the official entry form. The highest verified donations by 30 September will secure seats.

Port to Port Ellen - Auctioned whisky tasting entry form