Port Charlotte 2001 (Malts of Scotland 13027)

I remember the Port Charlotte 2001 released in 2011 by Malts of Scotland  (ref. 11017) said white Rioja on its label. Now there’s only Rioja hogshead so I wonder whether that means it’s red or simply undisclosed? Maybe it’s irrelevant anyway.

This bottle was presented at the 2013 Limburg Festival, but due to a printing error (“bourbon barrel”) the label had to be redone.

Port Charlotte 11 yo 2001 (57,5%, Malts of Scotland 2013, rioja hogshead, MoS 13027, 358 btl.)

Nose: lots of capers with salted butter. Smoked fish, classic smoked salmon with a honey / mustard dressing. Sandy beaches. Some flax rope. Behind this Islay front are plenty of candied notes, marzipan and berries which make it more playful than the official releases. Quite some waxy notes as well.

Mouth: very peaty, clean and coastal. Brine, the smoked fish again, hints of oysters. Not as sweet as the nose suggested, although there is some sweet citrus and a slight toffee note. Picks up a lot of salt and liquorice along the way.

Finish: long, slightly candied again and still very smoky.

It’s difficult to fault one of these recent Port Charlottes (the price maybe). They are simply very well-made and they withstand even the most uncommon kinds of casks. Around € 105.

Score: 88/100