In the latest batch of Elements of Islay bottlings there was this Port Charlotte Pl6, a combination of 3 bourbon barrels distilled in 2011, bottled at cask strength… of course.
Port Charlotte Pl6 7 yo 2011 (55,3%, Elixir Distillers ‘Elements of Islay’ 2019, bourbon barrels, 1163 btl.)
Port Charlotte Pl6 7 yo 2011 (55,3%, Elixir Distillers ‘Elements of Islay’ 2019, bourbon barrels, 1163 btl.)Nose: coastal sharpness mixed with charcoal and sweet smoke. Linseed oil, beach pebbles, hints of burnt heather and herbs. A tad austere perhaps but there’s a light hint of peach in the background.
Mouth: warmer now, with hints of smoked bacon, almonds and gingerbread. More sweetness now, mainly plums and melons, then also briney notes and salty minerals. Plenty of earthy, ashy notes and a hint of capsicum.
Finish: long, on pepper and gingery oak, liquorice and wood smoke.
Good whisky, but slightly thinner, less warm and wide than the very best examples of Port Charlotte in my book. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt.
Score: 85/100