Port Charlotte 10yo Malt Whisky

Matured in a combination of American and French oak casks, this is an unfiltered, cask strength (50% ABV) whisky with extraordinary character. Aged for 10 years on the shores of Loch Indaal, Port Charlotte has been described as “sunshine on a winters day, bringing clarity and lightening the mood, welcoming and brightening the future”. Whatever! It’s lovely. But it’s strong stuff (cask strength) so best enjoyed with a splash of water to calm the alcohol a little but more importantly to release this whisky’s powerful essential oils.

Nose – Peaty, ashy smoke always discernible yet calmed by the classic Islay marine, ozone character, and oak coming forward with waves of golden caramel, fudge, vanilla custard, hints of ginger, nutmeg and clove. There is citrus fruit, coaxed from the glass with a drop of water, gentle lemon meringue and clementine. Breathe deeply and the floral aromas of wild thyme, heather and sea pink bring you to this Atlantic coast.

Palate – A noticeable delicacy and softness in texture and style as smoke wraps loosely around sweetness drawn from deep within the oak with notes of coconut, vanilla custard, lemon, honey, smoked oysters and sun baked salty sand.

Finish – Sublime. Smoky, sure, but also the soft sweetness of fudge and malted barley, orange, mango and Banoffee pie, interchanging on each sip with notes of ripe apple and apricot.