Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 (700ml)
-
Spirit Type
Whisk(e)y Learn More
-
Spirit Category
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
-
Size
700ml
-
Country
Scotland
-
Region
Islay
-
Sub-Region
Bruichladdich
-
Tasting Notes
BrineFruitSmoke
-
How to Drink
Neat
-
Glassware
Glencairn
-
ABV
50%
Built in 1881 by the Harvey Brothers, this mothballed distillery began production again in 2001. Using equipment dating back to the Victorian ages, that is about the only old-fashioned thing about Bruichladdich (brook-lad-ee). Innovative and creative, Bruichladdich has an open minded approach to the barrels used for finishing their scotches (including first growth Bordeaux, Cognac and Amarone casks), as well as modern packaging that holds their spirits.
Tasting Notes
From the distillery: “Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 embodies everything an Islay whisky can and should be. As well as adding complexity and depth to this single malt, the Islay grown barley goes beyond just the pursuit of flavour – evoking a true sense of place.”
Method
From the distillery: “Bottled at 50% ABV and peated to 40 PPM, the maturation profile consists of 84% in first fill bourbon casks, 8% in second fill Virgin oak and 8% in second fill Bordeaux wine casks.”
Our Thoughts
Nose: Caramel, ripe apricots and marshmallows. Seaweed and charred oak.
Palate: Medium-bodied, sweet ripe stone fruits. Gentle, well-integrated peat smoke.
Finish: Sweet, honeyed fruits with some spice and brininess. How happy am I to have something from Bruichladdich hit our shelves. One of my favourite producers, the packaging alone can take all my money but the scotch is an all around knockout. Yes, heavily peated, but also yes fruit yes caramel and yes that classic Islay coastal affect.
John Earle
I love peaty whiskies. I’ve heard that Octomore is the peatiest whisky in the world. If that’s true, then Port Charlotte gives it a run for the money. It is briny and smoky, but has a hint of sweetness amongst the kelp. There’s so much flavour going on that you don’t notice the strong alcohol punch this whisky delivers. It’s the nicest new single malt I’ve tasted since Arran.