Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 | 7 Year Old

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery Bottling 70cl / 50%

The first release of the 2014 vintage of Bruchladdich's Port Charlotte Islay single malt whisky, this 7-year-old Port Charlotte was distilled from local barley all grown within 15 miles of the distillery and makes its appearance early in 2023 bottled at a hearty 50%.

Bruichladdich are usually very generous with the details of their bottlings, so we know that this whisky was made with malt peated to 40ppm and was matured in 84% first fill ex-bourbon casks, with 8% each of refill virgin oak and refill Bordeaux wine casks.

Attributes

Tasting Notes

Official Tasting Notes

Nose:  Malty digestive biscuits and peat embers open on the nose, followed by sweet vanilla and notes of honey, toffee and Crème Brûlée. As the whisky breathes its fruity character comes to the fore, with lemon rind and peat smoke rising from the glass, moving to grapefruit, ripe melon, peach and crisp red apple. Port Charlotte’s signature maritime note is offset with a touch of wood spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, showcasing the depth and complexity of this single malt.

Palate: An initial citrus tang is followed by sweet ripe fruit and gentle peat smoke. A subtle marine character comes through, with this sandy minerality complemented with toasted oak. On a second sip, the balance of fruit and smoke is unmistaken, with a medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon delicately wrapped in charred heather and peat embers. The maturation in American bourbon barrels brings lightly toasted oak notes, with a hint of coconut, creamy marzipan and tobacco.

Finish: Soft stoned fruit and toasted oak sweetness leave a beautifully balanced finish, while a subtle, dry barbeque smoke lingers.

Character: With a quiet complexity, Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 showcases the delicate balance of fruit and smoke which the single malt is renowned for.