It had been a while since I got to acquaint myself with an Islay, so when this dark bottled beauty caught my eye, there was very little reason for me to look the other side. The Port Charlotte is the middle sibling from the house of Bruichladdich, not a peat God like the eldest – Octomore; nor peat mute like its younger brother – Bruichladdich, but sitting comfortably in the middle, with just enough juice.

At 40 peat ppm, it is a bit shy off what the  standard Ardbegs or the Laphroaigs hold, but comes with the traditional islay flavours that we so enjoy! The distillery sources its barley not locally, but surprisingly from the Highlands –  Invernessshire, a historic county that is gifted with scenic beauty, glens, and lochs.

This expression is a blend of spirits from the distillery that have been matured in a variety of casks – 65% from first fill american exbourbon casks, 10% from second fill exbourbon casks and the remaining from second fill French wine casks. The higher proportion of exbourbon casks used during the maturation lends the whisky a lighter tinge, while the influence of wine casks should introduce some more complexity.

Abv : 50%

Eye : Old gold | Non Chill Filtration, Natural Colouring

Nose : Maritime and brine coupled with char and ash; there’s a mild, sweet and malty biscuit like nuance with earthy notes, green pepper, and sundried tomatoes. Charred cantaloupe, some milk chocolate and vanilla with bits of ginger peels .

Taste : Vanilla and dried fruits with rich red wine influences that can be felt on the back of the palate. Lots of brine, charred wood, smoke, leather and ash, with bits of butterscotch, guava, and a mild spice.

Finish : Medium | Sweet yet maritime, with some char paired with fruity, custard like notes, dried fruits, and some salt.

The PC 10 is medium bodied with a good mouth feel. It is in no way subtle, but letting it open up exposes a lighter yet sweeter side that really compliments the peat. Good breadth and complexity, the whisky comes loaded with peat, tropical nuances, and a mild but pleasant sweetness.

At AUD $110, it is a bit expensive but compares well with its Islay counterparts AND at a more desirable (and welcome) 50% abv! Surely not a bad choice, with its physical characteristics heavier than the Ardbeg 10 but not as buff as the laphraig 10. Keen to hear your thoughts..

Slainte!