Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years is exactly what its name denotes; a 10 year old release of Bruichladdich’s heavily peated Port Charlotte range. Named after the dead Lochindaal Distillery (Port Charlotte / Rhinns) which, like other Isaly distilleries, burned dried peat to halt the malting process and gave the whisky a smoky aroma and flavor. This and the Octomore are Bruichladdich’s contributions to the heavily peated style made famous by the distilleries of Islay like the dead Port Charlotte distillery.
Located just 2 miles south of Bruichladdich the connection to Lochindaal / Port Charlotte / Rhinos doesn’t just end with the name. The barrels of whisky used to make Port Charlotte are aged in the only surviving stone warehouse that used to belong to Lochindaal which closed in 1929. Bruichladdich is also planning to open a new distillery on the old Lochindaal site sometime in 2016 – bringing the Port Charlotte name full circle.
Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years Info
Region: Islay, Scotland
Distiller: Bruichladdich
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 10 years
ABV: 46%
PPM: 40
Natural Color | Non-Chill Filtered
Price: $60
Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years Review
EYE
Pale honey
NOSE
Deep bold peat followed by a deep complex orchard fruit (pears, apples, apricots) get accompanied by a dollop of vanilla, honey and malty sweetness. It’s a rich, bright, crisp and smoky nose. Loving every second of it.
PALATE
Crisp clean peat rolls through followed by the same complex orchard fruit from the nose. Malty sweetness follows through carrying light notes of graham, honey, iodine, brine and a light bit of wood. Yum.
FINISH
Long smoky finish speckled with hints of vanilla, brine, honey and fruit.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Nicely balanced with a round body and a creamy texture that carries little alcohol burn.
OVERALL
Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years is a stunner. I’m completely in love with this whisky. Despite carrying a bold dose of peat it’s balanced and nuanced with a deeply complex fruity aroma and flavor that balances out the gripping smokiness. I can see why people go crazy over these expressions.
SCORE: 91/100
