Port Ellen Whisky Auction Analysis & Price Trends

Port Ellen
Country Scotland
Founded 1825
Status Closed
Website N/A
Owner Diageo
Wash stills 2
Spirit stills 2
WhiskyBase rating 89.28

The Port Ellen distillery was founded by the Mackay family in 1825. The plant was operated by John Morrison & Co from 1831 to 1834. In the period from 1836 to 1920, the distillery experienced rapid development under the management of John Ramsay. The distillery became the first to begin the export of single malt whisky to North America. In the end, the production was bought by DCL (Distillers Company Ltd.) and preserved for the period from 1929 to 1967. Production buildings were rebuilt and the distillery started working again in 1967, but it was finally closed in 1983 due to the crisis of the 1980s.

A large industrial malt house is located in the former distillery, operating under the same name today. It supplies all distilleries on the island with malt, as well as several ones outside the island, largely satisfying their needs for raw materials.

The Port Ellen whisky releases of interest to collectors and investors can be highlighted:

Now Port Ellen whisky is so popular that rumours about resuming production appear regularly.

Bottles that could be intriguing for whisky collectors and investors due to their potential value & rarity

Port Ellen 1978 - 31 Years Old - 10th Release
Port Ellen 1978 - 31 Years Old - 10th Release - 700 ml / 54.6%
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 since Jan. 2011*
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 avg. price in 2024**
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 avg. annual shift 2011-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Port Ellen 1978 - 22 Years Old - Rare Malts Selection
Port Ellen 1978 - 22 Years Old - Rare Malts Selection - 700 ml / 60.5%
%
 since Oct. 2007*
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 avg. price in 2024**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2007-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Port Ellen 1979 - 22 Year Old - 1st Release
Port Ellen 1979 - 22 Year Old - 1st Release - 700 ml / 56.2%
%
 since Nov. 2005*
%
 avg. price in 2024**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2005-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Port Ellen 1979 - 32 Year Old - 11th Release
Port Ellen 1979 - 32 Year Old - 11th Release - 700 ml / 53.9%
%
 since Jan. 2012*
%
 avg. price in 2024**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2012-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead
Port Ellen 1978 - 24 Years Old - 2nd Release
Port Ellen 1978 - 24 Years Old - 2nd Release - 700 ml / 59.35%
%
 since Jan. 2006*
%
 avg. price in 2024**
  %
 avg. annual shift 2006-2024 **
Minimum subscription tier to unlock: * - Quarter, ** - Hogshead

Explore Port Ellen Lots From Online Auctions

More than 25365 finished and 113 live Port Ellen whisky lots in our database. If you are interested in one of the following questions, you have come to the right place:

Find answers to your questions about buying and selling whisky at online auctions with Whisky Hunter! Sign up to get full access to lots history, live lots and other features.


Top 10 Expensive Port Ellen Whiskies Sold at Auctions

All prices in £ by default. To see values in $ or € - click on Hammer price
Date Lot Auction Hammer
Jun 2022 Port Ellen 1979 Cask Of Distinction: Capturing The Light With Ini Archibong auction ended Sotheby's Whisky Auction £ 700000.0
May 2022 Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980 auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 100000.0
Dec 2020 Port Ellen 12 Year Old Queen's Visit 1980 auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 72000.0
Sep 2018 Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Queen's Visit 1980 auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 50000.0
Aug 2018 Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Queen's Visit 1980 auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 50000.0
Jan 2021 Port Ellen 12 Year Old James MacArthur Cask Strength 59% / Scoma auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 44000.0
Jan 2023 Port Ellen 12 Year Old Samaroli Full Proof auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 40504.0
Mar 2019 Port Ellen 12 Year Old / Queen's Visit 1980 auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 31833.0
Feb 2021 Port Ellen 12 Year Old James MacArthur Cask Strength 59% auction ended Whisky Auctioneer £ 30000.0
Aug 2018 Port Ellen 1st 17th Annual Release auction ended Bonhams Whisky Auction £ 29840.0
Explore all 25365 Port Ellen finished lots

Port Ellen live lots on Catawiki Whisky Auction

All prices in £ by default. To see update time and values in $ or € - click on Last bid
End date Lot Auction Last Bid Want it?
Apr 26 20:49 Old Guns - Low Robertson & Co. (Port Ellen) - b. 1970s - 75cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 79.0 Place Bid
Apr 27 19:01 Port Ellen 1983 27 years old - The Single Malts of Scotland - b. 2010 - 70cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 500.0 Place Bid
Apr 27 19:14 Port Ellen 1978 35 years old - 14th Release - Original bottling - b. 2014 - 70cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 1350.0 Place Bid
Apr 27 19:16 Port Ellen 1982 20 years old - Sherry Wood - Silver Seal - b. 2002 - 70cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 760.0 Place Bid
Apr 27 19:22 Port Ellen 1979 - Spirit of Scotland - Gordon & MacPhail - b. 1995 - 70cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 460.0 Place Bid
Apr 27 19:31 Port Ellen 1982 27 years old - Cask no. 1525 - One of 278 - Signatory Vintage - b. 2009 - 70cl live Catawiki Whisky Auction £ 701.0 Place Bid
Explore all 113 Port Ellen live lots

Top 20 Expensive Port Ellen Whiskies From Online Retailers

Don't want to depend on the fortunes of buying whisky at auctions? It's always possible to buy a bottle of Port Ellen in an online shop. Compare all offers and choose the best one!

Shop Item Desc Extra Price Buy It
The Whisky Exchange Port Ellen 1978 / 44 Year Old Gemini Set / Original Cask & Remnant Cask Islay Whisky - 140cl / 54.2% - - £ 45000.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Gemini Set Islay Single Malt Scotch 1978 44 Year Old - 70Cl X 2 | 54.2% - - £ 45000.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Feis Ile 2008 - 7.5Th Release Single Cask - 1981 27 Year Old - 70Cl | 54.7% - - £ 19995.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Feis Ile 2008 - 7.5Th Release Single Cask 1981 27 Year Old - 70Cl | 54.7% - - £ 19995.0 Buy It
The Whisky Exchange Port Ellen 1978 / 43 Year Old / Prima & Ultima 4 Islay Whisky - 70cl / 53.4% / Distillery Bottling - - £ 15000.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Private Collection - Single Cask #290 1981 42 Year Old - 70Cl | 52.5% - - £ 10799.95 Buy It
The Whisky Exchange Port Ellen 1981 42 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection - 70cl / 52.5% - - £ 10000.0 Buy It
The Whisky Exchange Port Ellen 21 Year Old 25th Anniversary Maltings - 70cl / 58.4% - - £ 7000.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Untold Stories - The Spirit Safe - 1978 39 Year Old - 70Cl | 50.9% - - £ 6999.95 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - Untold Stories - The Spirit Safe 1978 39 Year Old - 70Cl | 50.9% - - £ 6999.95 Buy It
The Whisky Exchange Port Ellen 39 Year Old / Bot.2018 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 70cl / 50.9% - - £ 6500.0 Buy It
Hard To Find Whisky Port Ellen (Silent) - 9 Rogue Casks 1979 40 Year Old - 70Cl | 50.9% - - £ 6249.95 Buy It
The Whisky Barrel Port Ellen 36 Year Old 1983 Eidolon 1st Release - 70cl / 53.5% - - £ 6000.0 Buy It
The Whisky Barrel Port Ellen 8th Annual Release 29 Year Old - 70cl / 55.3% - - £ 6000.0 Buy It
The Whisky Barrel Port Ellen 35 Year Old 14th Annual Release - 70cl / 56.5% - - £ 6000.0 Buy It
Explore all 140 Port Ellen online retailers offers

The chart of monthly trade volumes of the Port Ellen distillery. The chart is in direct proportion to the lot quantity and prices, displaying the liquidity of lots on the secondary market and interest in them. Trading volume growth indicates the drawn attention to distellery


The chart of lot price fluctuation by month of the Port Ellen distillery. The lot average price chart indicates the growth or fall of the investment attractiveness of whisky over time.


The chart, representing traded lot quantity by month of the Port Ellen distillery. The chart displays the popularity and seasonal dependence of the quantity of the lots auctioned online.


Frequently Asked Questions

In the FAQ section will find answers to common questions that interest collectors and investors

The value of a Port Ellen whisky bottle can be influenced by several factors. Below is a detailed breakdown based on key aspects:

  1. Identification of the Bottle: Initially, it's essential to accurately identify the bottle in question. Familiarity with the specific release, including the release year, alcohol strength, and maturation period, will aid in its valuation.
  2. Specific Bottle Variation: Numerous releases of Port Ellen whisky have occurred over the years. The specific release to which a bottle belongs greatly impacts its value. Additionally, the condition of the bottle, the labeling, and the level of fill are crucial factors in determining its worth.
  3. Sale or Purchase Venue: The platform or venue where you choose to buy or sell the whisky bottle can significantly affect its price. Typically, bottles can be acquired for a lower price at auctions, while retail stores may have higher markups. If selling as a private individual, the most realistic price benchmark is its auction price, although auction commission fees will apply.

Furthermore, by utilizing the Whisky Hunter service, you can independently evaluate the value of your whisky bottle. Our platform offers a thorough analysis and valuable insights to help ascertain the actual market value of your Port Ellen whisky bottle.

The variation in price for the same bottle across different auctions can be attributed to several factors:

  • Diverse Bidder Base: Different auctions attract various types of bidders, each with their own valuation of the bottle, which in turn influences the final price.
  • Geographical Differences: The region in which an auction is held can impact demand, especially if certain Port Ellen releases are scarce or unavailable in specific markets, thus affecting the price.
  • Auction Timing: The timing of an auction can influence price due to external factors such as market trends or seasonal demand.

The profitability of buying or selling a Port Ellen whisky bottle can be impacted by several factors:

  • Geographical Location: Your location can affect both buying and selling opportunities, impacting the overall cost and ease of the transaction.
  • Shipping Logistics: Considering the logistics and costs tied to shipping the bottle for sale or after purchase is vital for making an informed decision.
  • Auction Platforms: Auction platforms often reflect the most accurate market price for buying or selling. However, aspects like commission rates, bidder preferences, and auction timing can result in price variations across platforms.
  • Market Trends: In-depth research into the current market conditions and historical data can aid in identifying trends and forecasting potential opportunities for buying or selling Port Ellen at a favorable price.

Ascertain the most profitable venue for buying or selling a specific bottle requires a careful examination of these factors. Our analysis tools allow you to compare specific bottles across auctions and regions, providing valuable insights. By leveraging these insights and adopting a meticulous, research-driven approach, you can pinpoint opportunities that align with your goals, optimizing profitability and satisfaction in your whisky transactions.

Forecasting the value fluctuation of a Port Ellen whisky over time is a nuanced and uncertain task. Although past auction prices provide historical insights, they don't necessarily indicate future trends. In the short term, like 1-2 months, recent auction cycles might offer a rough estimate of the bottle's value, but long-term projections are significantly more complex.

The price of a Port Ellen whisky is swayed by market demand and supply, influenced by numerous factors including rarity, age, branding, economic conditions, and consumer preferences, all of which are unpredictable. Even in the near future, market behavior can be capricious.

Markets often exhibit cyclical tendencies—following a decline, there might be growth. However, this pattern isn't guaranteed, and investment decisions shouldn't solely hinge on this assumption. It's prudent to consult with whisky investment specialists or utilize analytical tools and data available on platforms like ours to decipher the unique traits and trends of the whisky market.

In summation, whisky investment intertwines both art and science, requiring a profound understanding of the product, market dynamics, and one's investment goals. A balanced approach melding patience, research, and a readiness to navigate the intricacies of the whisky realm may foster rewarding investment experiences. Yet, it's vital to remember, like all investments, inherent risks are involved, and past performance doesn't foretell future outcomes.

Investing in a cask of Port Ellen offers a unique opportunity that could potentially yield profits, albeit with its inherent set of risks and complexities. Here's a detailed examination of various facets to consider:

  1. Unique Investment Avenue:

    Whisky cask investment is a unique venture that can be profitable, yet it necessitates a deep understanding and acceptance of the associated risks.

  2. Storage Considerations:

    Delving into the specifics of cask storage—including costs, conditions, and regulatory compliance—is crucial to ensure optimal maturation conditions.

  3. Ownership Transfer Intricacies:

    Understanding the intricacies involved in the transfer of cask ownership rights, ensuring proper documentation and adherence to legal procedures, is vital to secure your investment.

  4. Fraud Prevention:

    Given the potential for fraud, thorough scrutiny of ownership transfer details and vetting the seller is imperative to mitigate risks.

  5. Auction Acquisitions:

    Acquiring casks at reputable whisky auctions is generally less risky, as auction houses often vet sellers and ensure the legitimacy of the ownership transfer.

  6. Investment Analysis:

    Our platform provides resources to evaluate the viability of investing in a cask of Port Ellen. With data on over 1,000 casks sold or listed at auctions, you can leverage our platform for a thorough analysis. Refer to this blog article on analyzing whisky cask sales at auctions using our platform.

In summation, a cask investment in Port Ellen requires a comprehensive understanding of the whisky market, legal procedures, and the specifics of cask ownership and storage. Platforms like ours can offer valuable insights and data to aid in making an informed investment decision.

The collectibility of a Port Ellen whisky hinges on several factors. Here are some key aspects to ponder:

  • Rarity: Limited editions or discontinued bottles often pique collectors' interest.
  • Brand Prestige: Renowned brands or producers usually hold a higher esteem in the collector's realm.
  • Historical Significance: Bottles linked to notable events or personalities may appreciate in value.
  • Condition and Packaging: The bottle's appearance and packaging, including label, capsule, and box, play a significant role in its valuation.
  • Market Trends: Prevailing market trends and investor sentiment can influence the collectibility of the whisky.
  • Personal Affinity: Your own tastes and the thematic alignment of your collection should steer your decision.

Integrating a bottle of Port Ellen into your whisky collection is fundamentally a personal endeavor, steered by your interests, budget, and collection strategy. Our platform facilitates a thorough exploration of the collectible whisky market, enabling you to compare options and make an enlightened decision that resonates with your objectives.

  • We endeavor to furnish precise and exhaustive data. Utilizing a blend of automated tools and manual verification, our team aggregates information from trustworthy and open sources.
  • Though we prioritize accuracy, it's crucial to recognize that errors, albeit rare, may transpire. Our platform facilitates easy cross-referencing with primary sources, which we highly recommend to affirm the data's validity.
  • Beyond data, we extend analytical tools to help decipher market trends and evaluate a particular bottle's value, aiding you in making informed decisions.

It's pivotal to note that our platform is an informational resource and should be leveraged alongside professional guidance for investment or purchasing decisions. We furnish all data sans liability and underscore that it does not constitute investment advice. It's prudent to assess risks and seek professional counsel when requisite.

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