Port Charlotte 2002 (Maltbarn)

The youngest and least expensive dram in the latest batch by Maltbarn. Port Charlotte 2002 from a sherry cask.

Port Charlotte 11 yo 2002 (54,7%, Maltbarn 2013, sherry cask, 78 btl.)

Nose: quite unique and really nice. Not too much peat, instead a lot of graphite and hints of petrol. Cod liver oil and Moroccan Argan. Brine. Very mineral (Caol Ila style, but bigger) and there’s a nice farmy side to it (wet earth, hay and wet animal fur). I think this is great.

Mouth: clean, ashy and peaty, sharp and briny. Again: in line with Caol Ila but bigger. Kippers and liquorice. There’s also an almond sweetness in the background, as well as lemony notes to make sure it’s not too austere.

Finish: long, clean, smoky. Still a subtle sweetness.

A very good – if slightly atypical – Port Charlotte, one of the most interesting 2001/2002 casks I’ve had so far. No obvious sherry, Fino maybe? Around € 95.

Score: 89/100