The Whisky Exchange Elements of Islay Pe5 (distilled at Port Ellen), 57.9%

This, the fifth of TWE's ongoing Elements bottlings of Islay's legendary closed distillery, does not disappoint. The nose is akin to salted chocolate, with a wasabi-like earthiness lurking behind. Port Ellen's characteristic flintiness is there in the form of rock-pools and hot sand inside seashells, while the smoke hints at sphagnum moss, marsh gas, and burnt cake. The palate has touches of smoked eel and a hint of pear. As enigmatic as ever, in other words. £175 (500 ml)