Whisky Review/Tasting: Port Charlotte Scottish Barley

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery, with some of the whisky maturing in warehouses on the hill above the village. The whisky is non-chill filtered and coloring free.
Age Statement: Not explicitly mentioned, but inferred to be older than 5-7 years based on its color and flavor profile.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as quite dark, indicating a significant aging process. The bottle and packaging design were not detailed, but the tube mentions the whisky being peated to 40 ppm and using Islay spring water from the Octomore field of farmer James Brown.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a strong peat and smoke profile, with a balance between medicinal phenolic and cold bonfire smoke. It has a complex flavor with a hint of sweetness, juiciness, and a touch of oak in the aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: Notably peated at 40 ppm, it offers a less intense experience compared to the Octomore series but still maintains a robust peaty and smoky character. The presence of vanilla suggests the use of first-fill casks in maturation.
Comparison: It is considered better than the original Peat Project but not as fascinating as the heavily peated ten-year-old Port Charlotte. The smoke is pervasive, overshadowing potential fruity or sherry influences.

Distillery History: Port Charlotte was a distillery located five to ten miles southwest of Bruichladdich, operational until 1929. The brand and spirit were resurrected by Bruichladdich under the new ownership of Rémy Cointreau.
Production Resurrection: The heavily peated Port Charlotte spirit was among the first produced after Bruichladdich was reopened in December 2000, with full production resuming in 2001.

Islay Influence: The whisky embodies the traditional Islay character with its heavy peat and smoke. The use of local barley and Islay spring water emphasizes the whisky's deep connection to its geographical origin.

Horst Luening described the whisky as having a "very strong peat and smoky nose" and noted its complexity and the balance between different types of smoke. He remarked on the absence of the typical Bruichladdich elegance and fruitiness due to the overwhelming smoke.

Port Charlotte Scottish Barley is a heavily peated single malt from Islay, distilled at Bruichladdich.
Peated to 40 ppm, offering a robust peaty and smoky profile with hints of vanilla and oak.
The whisky is likely older than 5-7 years, non-chill filtered, and coloring free.
It is part of an ongoing project exploring the combination of Bruichladdich's distillation style with heavy peat.
The smoke is intense, suitable for those who appreciate a strong peaty character, but may not appeal to those looking for fruitiness or sherry influences.

Peat Lovers: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts who enjoy a strong peat and smoke profile.
Islay Whisky Aficionados: Those with a preference for Islay whiskies will appreciate its geographical authenticity and traditional peat character.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Its complexity and unique balance of flavors make it suitable for seasoned whisky drinkers looking for something distinct within the peated category.
Collectors: Given the historical context and the ongoing nature of the project, it may also appeal to collectors interested in the evolution of the Port Charlotte brand.