A superb, heavily peated Port Charlotte aged for 18 years, that's certainly been on a journey of creation! Distilled in 2005, the whisky has been matured in a combination of 1st fill bourbon casks and 2nd fill sherry casks. Another small (and said to be interesting) parcel of Port Charlotte was filled into sherry casks for 11 years, then re-racked into virgin French oak for approximately 5 years. The same spirit was then transferred into 2nd fill bourbon barrels, then everything was married together before bottling!
Tasting Notes
Awards
Nose
Dried fruits are immediate on the nose, with the aroma of figs, sultanas and raisins mingling with sweet smoke and mellow oak. As the whisky breathes, charred oak, tobacco and earthy heather come to the fore, complimenting the delicate sweetness of caramel, toffee and date syrup.
Palate
Luxuriously smooth in texture, dark brown sugar, apricot jam and sweet heather honey coat the palate. This initial sweetness is punctuated by Port Charlotte’s signature peat smoke, with the subtle influence of toasted oak adding depth and complexity. The earthy, barbeque smoke adds a savoury element, beautifully balanced with rich crème brûlée, hazelnut and toasted coconut. A subtle minerality not only nods to the whisky’s all-Islay maturation but adds a hint of salt, cutting through the sweetness.
Finish
Wood spices, smoked leather and a subtle nutty salinity settle on the finish, while the inimitable whisper of Port Charlotte peat smoke lingers.