Bruichladdich says Port Charlotte Islay Barley is a milestone. Perhaps for the first time in the island’s history, a heavily-peated single malt has been distilled using Islay-grown barley.
The barley had been harvested in September 2008 from the farms at Coull, Kynagarry, Island, Rockside, Starchmill and Sunderland, peated to 40 PPM, then distilled in December of the same year and bottled towards the end of 2014.
Port Charlotte 2008 ‘Islay Barley’ (50%, OB 2014)
Port Charlotte 2008 ‘Islay Barley’ (50%, OB 2014)Nose: a salty and malty nose, with sweet liquorice and plenty of soot. Rather clean and elegant, rather rounded as well, compared to other Islay whiskies. Sweet lemon candy in the background. Something of mentholated oils.
Mouth: rather dry now, with a leathery feel and some herbal hints. Dark toasted bread. A bit of sea spray and kippery notes. There’s a slight bitter edge to it, as well as a peppery heat. And always a sweet layer underneath.
Finish: long, slightly hot, with ashes, plenty of salt and still these herbal (Fernet) touches.
I’m personally not very fond of this one. It seems less focused and less powerful than its Octomore sister and the herbal bitter side is quite loud. There have been better PC’s, but of course they don’t have a terroir story behind them. Around € 75.
Score: 85/100