Port Charlotte (Bruichladdich) – Islay Barley 2008 – 50% abv

Info: This is the first Port Charlotte release to have been created using barley that was exclusively grown on Islay and nowhere else. Harvested in September 2008 from the farms at Coull, Kynagarry, Island, Rockside, Starchmill and Sunderland, peated to 40 PPM, then distilled in December of the same year, this is a whisky of flawless provenance. The intention is to try and recreate the spirit that was made at the distillery over 100 years ago.

Colour: Straw, bright and clear.
Nose: Salty fresh sea breeze, pinches of spice and liquorice, citrus fruits, sweet barley and plenty of Bruichladdich peat, it’s not like your iodine type peat. Fantastic, elegant.
Palate: Thick and rich on the palate, surprisingly easy going and enjoyable. There’s a great interplay of sappy caramel oak sugars, fresh barley and gentle peats, all balanced.
Finish: A fresh note leading on to a more coastal peatiness. A belly warming long finish.
Thoughts: It’s almost a 6 year old whisky, but it’s amazingly gentle even at 50% abv which makes it exciting and very drinkable. A dram that most definitely doesn’t disappoint.
Extra: Bruichladdich’s own notes say the following: “Absolutely flawless construction and balance. Young, confident, zesty and absolutely delightful, the texture is smooth, succulent and stimulating”. They’ve pretty much got it bang on there!
Available: The Whisky Exchange – £54.95

Thanks to Bruichladdich for the sample.