The Port Charlotte 10 Year Old is the flagship heavily peated single malt from the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay. This whisky is conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled exclusively on Islay, using 100% Scottish barley. It is trickle-distilled through tall, narrow-necked stills, resulting in a rich and aromatic spirit with a "heathery barbeque" style of smoke. The maturation process involves a combination of 65% first-fill American whiskey casks, 10% second-fill American whiskey casks, and 25% second-fill French wine casks. It is bottled at 50% ABV, without chill-filtration and with natural colour, and boasts a phenol level of 40 parts per million (PPM).
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: The smoke is calmed by a marine, ozone character, with time bringing a balance of oak, smoke, and spirit. Expect waves of golden caramel, fudge, vanilla custard, hints of ginger, nutmeg, and clove, alongside citrus fruit like lemon meringue and clementine. Floral aromas of wild thyme, heather, and sea pink evoke the Atlantic coast.
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Palate: A noticeable delicacy and softness in texture, with a superb balance of flavour. The smoke wraps loosely around the sweetness drawn from the oak, revealing coconut, vanilla custard, and lemon honey combined with smoked oysters and sun-baked salty sand.
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Finish: Sublime and smoky, yet with the soft sweetness of fudge and malted barley. Notes of orange, mango, and Banoffee pie hint at the depth and quality of the oak. The many layers interchange with each sip, as the smoke comes and goes with notes of ripe apple and apricot, beautifully intertwined with malt and oak sweetness and the typical Port Charlotte dry smoke.
Awards: Port Charlotte 10 Year Old has received significant recognition, including:
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Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
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Best in Class at the Whiskies of the World Awards in 2018.
- Voted #4 New Whisky by Whisky Advocate.
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Whisky of the Year by The Whisky Exchange in 2020.
- Rated 93 points by Whisky Advocate.
- Named Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Overall Impression: Port Charlotte 10 Year Old is a much-loved Islay single malt that masterfully balances its heavy peating with elegance and finesse. The diverse cask maturation contributes layers of sweetness, fruit, and spice that complement the signature smoky character. It's considered a complex, well-rounded, and highly drinkable whisky that offers a contemporary take on classic Islay peat, making it a favourite among both seasoned peat lovers and those new to heavily peated whiskies.
