Port Charlotte SC: 01 Heavily Peated 9 Years | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by the Bruichladdich Distillery, located near the town of Port Charlotte on the Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Type: Heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Triple or quadruple cask matured, involving sherry casks, first and second fill American oak casks, and a finish in ex-Sauternes wine casks.
Age Statement: 9 years old, 2012 edition.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 55.2%.
Color and Bottle Design: Not explicitly described, but the focus is on the unique maturation process and the high ABV.

Overall Impression: A complex, well-rounded smoke bomb with a balance of smoky, fruity, and sweet flavors.
Aroma: Smells like a smoking chamber used for smoking ham, with a hint of bourbon character and a fruity note reminiscent of ripe red apples.
Taste: The palate is greeted with a smoky intensity complemented by a touch of honey, a bit of apple, and a slight chocolate sweetness towards the finish. The whisky also exhibits a bit of floral character, adding to its complexity.
Comparison: The host compares it favorably to Octomore, another heavily peated whisky from Bruichladdich, noting that Port Charlotte and Octomore are now "neck to neck" in his preferences, largely due to the interesting cask usage in Port Charlotte expressions.

Anecdote: The host shares a story about witnessing an unconventional method of moving whisky casks at the Port Charlotte warehouses, involving dropping casks onto a large foam cube to cushion their descent from an upper floor, highlighting the practical and perhaps risky methods employed in whisky production.

Islay Whisky: Port Charlotte whiskies embody the traditional heavily peated style associated with the Isle of Islay, a region renowned for its smoky single malt Scotch whiskies. The distillery's connection to the local town and its history adds depth to the whisky's identity.

Host's Opinion: The host expresses a growing fondness for Port Charlotte, initially preferring Octomore but now appreciating both equally. He attributes this fondness to the "really nice stuff" done with the casks in Port Charlotte expressions, emphasizing the importance of cask character in whisky.

Port Charlotte SC: 01 is a heavily peated, 9-year-old whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery, matured in a combination of sherry, American oak, and ex-Sauternes wine casks.
It offers a complex flavor profile with smoky, fruity, and sweet notes, alongside a hint of floral character.
An interesting anecdote about cask handling at the Port Charlotte warehouses adds to the whisky's story.
The whisky is appreciated for its unique cask maturation process, which contributes significantly to its character.
The host's growing fondness for Port Charlotte, alongside a comparison to Octomore, highlights the quality and appeal of this expression.

Peat Lovers: Individuals who enjoy heavily peated whiskies will appreciate the intense smokiness.
Cask Exploration Enthusiasts: Those interested in the effects of different cask maturation processes on whisky flavor will find the triple/quadruple cask maturation intriguing.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: The complex flavor profile and high ABV make this a suitable choice for seasoned whisky aficionados looking for depth and intensity.
Islay Whisky Fans: Admirers of Islay's distinctive peaty whiskies will likely enjoy adding this expression to their collection.