The Harvey brothers established Bruichladdich Distillery on the shore of Loch Indaal on the Isle of Islay in 1881. Rémy Cointreau currently owns the distillery. In contrast to many neighboring distilleries, Bruichladdich produces a lighter and softer unpeated whisky. Alongside the Bruichladdich range, they also produce Port Charlotte, a heavily peated range, and Octomore, an extremely heavily peated range. They style themselves as Progressive Hebridean Distillers, and are always looking...
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The Harvey brothers established Bruichladdich Distillery on the shore of Loch Indaal on the Isle of
Islay in 1881. Rémy Cointreau currently owns the distillery. In contrast to many neighboring distilleries, Bruichladdich produces a lighter and softer unpeated whisky. Alongside the Bruichladdich range, they also produce Port Charlotte, a heavily peated range, and Octomore, an extremely heavily peated range. They style themselves as Progressive Hebridean Distillers, and are always looking for new ideas and initiatives.
Port Charlotte, named after the neighbouring village, is a peaty version, more like a typical Islay and the style the distillery made when it first opened in 1886.
This bottling undergoes the process of being made, matured, and bottled on Islay using Islay-grown barley. Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 reveals a quiet complexity, actively showcasing the delicate balance of fruit and smoke for which the single malt is renowned.
Official Tasting Notes
Colour - Light amber.
Nose - Malty digestive biscuits and peat embers open on the nose. Following this, sweet vanilla and notes of honey, toffee, and Crème Brûlée emerge. As the whisky breathes, its fruity character gracefully comes to the fore. Initially, notes of lemon rind and peat smoke rise from the glass, seamlessly transitioning to a symphony of grapefruit, ripe melon, peach, and crisp red apple. Actively mingling with these vibrant fruit tones is a subtle interplay of wood spice, featuring nuances of nutmeg and cinnamon. Through this dynamic interaction, Port Charlotte's signature maritime note emerges, underscoring the depth and complexity that defines this exceptional single malt.
Palate - An initial citrus tang leads the way, followed by sweet ripe fruit and gentle peat smoke. Subsequently, a subtle marine character emerges, with sandy minerality complemented by toasted oak. During a second sip, the unmistakable balance of fruit and smoke prevails, creating a symphony of flavours. This medley unfolds with the sweetness of apricot, the succulence of peach, and the richness of ripe melon, delicately wrapped in the embrace of charred heather and smoldering peat embers. The maturation in American bourbon barrels adds another layer of complexity, introducing lightly toasted oak notes that seamlessly interplay with hints of coconut, creamy marzipan, and a subtle undertone of tobacco.
Finish - Soft stoned fruit and toasted oak sweetness leave a beautifully balanced finish, while a subtle, dry barbeque smoke lingers.