In a grand celebration of authenticity, provenance, and community, Port Charlotte unveils its most distinguished creation yet: the Port Charlotte 18. A pinnacle of craftsmanship, this Islay Single Malt stands as a testament to the island's rich heritage and the unwavering dedication of its people. Limited to a mere 6,000 bottles, this rare gem encapsulates nearly two decades of commitment, resulting in an unparalleled sensory journey for whisky enthusiasts worldwide.
This release is made from a combination of refill sherry casks (74%) and refill French oak wine casks (26%) bringing dried fruit, sweetness and layered wood spice. As the oldest expression ever released by Port Charlotte, the 18 Year Old embodies the essence of Islay's rugged landscape and maritime influence. With a peatiness of 40 parts per million (PPM), this whisky remains faithful to its roots while embracing the nuances of time and terroir. From its conception to bottling, every step of the process is meticulously executed on Islay, ensuring an authentic and unparalleled drinking experience.
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Hazel
Nose: Upon uncorking, the Port Charlotte 18 reveals a symphony of aromas that tantalise the senses. Notes of dried fruit, figs, and sweet sultanas dance gracefully alongside whispers of soft smoke and mellow oak. Delving deeper, one encounters leathery hints of tobacco and burnt heather, evoking memories of Islay's rugged coastline and peat-laden landscapes.
Palate: On the palate, the whisky unveils its true complexity, with a delicate balance of sweetness and spice. Dried dark fruits mingle harmoniously with warm toasted spices, while orange citrus and cinder toffee add a tantalising twist.
Finish: As the whisky lingers, nuances of peat-infused scones, smoked popcorn, and salted caramel emerge, leaving an indelible impression on the palate.
Full Specs:
Barley provenance: 100% Scottish mainland barley
Malting: Heavily peated
Distillation year: 2004
Age: 18 aged years
Maturation profile: 74% refill sherry casks. 26% refill French oak wine casks.
Phenol level: 40 parts per million (ppm)
Strength: 54.3% ABV
This exquisite expression owes its distinctive character to its unique maturation profile. Aged for 18 years in a blend of refill sherry and French oak wine casks, the whisky gains depth and complexity, reflecting the influence of Islay's temperate climate and maritime surroundings. Maturing alongside the Atlantic Ocean, the whisky absorbs subtle hints of sea salt, further enhancing its rich and complex flavour profile.
In crafting the Port Charlotte 18, master distillers have achieved a remarkable balance between tradition and innovation. While paying homage to Islay's storied past, this expression also looks ahead to the future, embodying the island's spirit of resilience and innovation. With each sip, whisky connoisseurs are invited on a journey through time and terroir, where every drop tells a story of craftsmanship, community, and the enduring allure of Islay's whisky heritage.
About Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte is a distinctive Scotch whisky brand produced by Bruichladdich Distillery, situated on the Isle of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. Named after the village adjacent to the distillery, Port Charlotte whiskies are renowned for their bold and peaty character, reminiscent of Islay's rugged coastal landscape. While Bruichladdich is known for its range of unpeated and lightly peated whiskies, Port Charlotte represents the distillery's exploration of heavily peated expressions.
The Port Charlotte range includes a variety of expressions, each showcasing the depth and complexity that result from the use of heavily peated malted barley during the production process. Port Charlotte whiskies are distilled from 100% Scottish barley, reflecting Bruichladdich's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients. The whiskies are then aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and French wine casks, contributing to their distinctive flavour profile.
One of the flagship expressions in the Port Charlotte range is the Port Charlotte 10 Year Old, a peated single malt whisky aged for a decade in oak casks. This whisky is celebrated for its balance of smoky, earthy peatiness and sweet, fruity notes, along with hints of sea salt and brine. Other expressions in the Port Charlotte lineup include limited-edition releases and special bottlings, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to explore new and unique variations of the Port Charlotte style.
Port Charlotte whiskies are highly regarded among whisky enthusiasts for their bold flavours, complexity, and quality craftsmanship. Whether enjoyed neat, with a splash of water, or in cocktails, Port Charlotte whiskies offer a memorable and rewarding drinking experience, transporting drinkers to the rugged shores of Islay with each sip.
