Rare Port Ellen Whisky Tasting Auctioned for Clean Water Charity

A charity auction offering 15 exclusive spots to taste one of Scotland’s rarest whiskeys will raise funds for clean water projects in Madagascar. The November event celebrates Port Ellen distillery’s 200th anniversary with a bottle that regularly sells for over $5,000 at auction.

Historic Islay Whiskey Takes Center Stage

The centerpiece of the Edinburgh tasting will be Port Ellen First Release (2001), which is a 1979, 22 Years Old, one of the most sought-after Islay whiskies ever bottled. Port Ellen distillery closed in 1983 during the whisky industry downturn that saw multiple Scottish distilleries shuttered. However single malt from the distillery continued to be released, and became successful enough that it was reopened in 2024.

Whisky specialist Fraser Campbell and internationally acclaimed writer Dave Broom will guide participants through the tasting at a secret Edinburgh venue on November 19, 2025. Guests will also receive Fever-Tree highballs on arrival.

The event marks a significant moment in scotch whisky history. Port Ellen first opened in 1825 on the island of Islay, known for producing heavily peated whiskeys. Bottles from the distillery have become increasingly valuable, with some rare editions selling for tens of thousands of dollars at auction.

Supporting the MacLean Foundation’s Clean Water Mission

All proceeds will benefit the MacLean Foundation, established after brothers Jamie, Ewan, and Lachlan MacLean completed a 9,000-mile unsupported row across the Pacific Ocean. The foundation has raised over $1.3 million (£1 million) for clean water projects in Madagascar.

To enter the auction, donors must contribute at least $65 (£50) through the official entry form by September 30. The 15 highest verified donations will secure seats, with winners notified by October 7.

“This is a celebration of journeys and overcoming the odds to bring people together,” said Fraser Campbell. “With a nod to the iconic Port Ellen distillery, making its triumphant return to whisky production after being shuttered for four decades as it celebrates its 200th year. And of course raising a cheers and a very special dram to the Maclean Brothers’ inspirational success.”

The MacLean brothers’ Pacific crossing took 189 days to complete in 2022-2023. Their foundation focuses on providing sustainable water solutions to rural communities in Madagascar, where access to clean water remains a critical challenge.