The Port Charlotte 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinguished and mature expression from the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay. As the oldest release in the Port Charlotte core range to date, it retains the vibrant, heavily peated (40 PPM) character the brand is known for, while showcasing the added complexity that comes with extended maturation. This whisky is conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled exclusively on Islay, using 100% Scottish barley.
The maturation profile is a carefully selected combination of casks: a significant portion matured in refill sherry casks (74%) and the remainder in refill French oak wine casks (26%). This combination aims to impart a rich sweetness and dried fruit character that complements the signature Port Charlotte peat smoke. Bottled at a strength of 51.5% ABV (though some bottlings may vary slightly), it is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Expect immediate notes of dried fruit, such as figs, sultanas, and raisins, mingling with a mellow oak and the characteristic sweet smoke of Port Charlotte. As it opens, leathery notes of tobacco and burnt heather emerge, balanced by cinder toffee and date syrup.
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Palate: The texture is described as gentle and beautifully balanced, with a predominantly sweet and fruity profile featuring dried dark fruits and chocolate. The influence of the oak is mellow, bringing forward warm toasted spices like cinnamon, gingerbread, and nutmeg. Orange citrus, cinder toffee, and honey complement the soft, smoked grain, with hints of peat-infused scones, smoked popcorn, and salted caramel.
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Finish: The finish is long and complex, with wood spices, smoked leather, and a subtle nutty salinity rounding off the dram as the soft peat smoke lingers.
Awards: While specific awards for the Port Charlotte 18 Year Old can vary by vintage and year of recognition, the Port Charlotte range and Bruichladdich Distillery have received numerous accolades for their commitment to quality and innovation. Keep an eye on recent whisky competition results for the most up-to-date awards for this particular expression.
Overall Impression: The Port Charlotte 18 Year Old is a testament to the distillery's mastery of peated whisky. The extended maturation in refill sherry and French oak casks has mellowed some of the youthful intensity while adding layers of rich fruit and spice that beautifully intertwine with the signature Islay smoke. It's considered a complex, elegant, and memorable dram that showcases the evolution of heavily peated spirit over time.
