UK: Diageo submits building application for reopening Port Ellen distillery

In October 2017, Diageo announced plans to reopen its distillery Port Ellen on Islay that has been closed since 1983. Now, with the submission of a detailed building application to the relevant administrative authorities of Argyll & Bute, they have taken an important step forward, Whisky.com reported on May 7.

The new Port Ellen Distillery aims to combine tradition and modernity in two ways:

Existing buildings, such as those with the old pagoda roof and the warehouses the sea side, will be restored and complemented by a completely new still house.

Second combination of traditional and modern is the way whisky will be produced. One pair of stills will be a copy of those of the old Port Ellen distillery to replicate the old style of the Port Ellen whisky, while a second pair of smaller stills will create an alternative character and will be used to experiment with modern styles, as Diageo explains.

Master Distiller Georgie Crawford, who was announced to be leader of the project Port Ellen Distillery, said: “This is another hugely significant milestone on our journey to bring Port Ellen Distillery back to life. This is no ordinary distillery project, we are bringing a true whisky legend back to life and we believe our plans do justice to the iconic status of Port Ellen and will capture the imagination of whisky fans from all over the world.”

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