Port Charlotte, 14 years old Islay Whisky Festival Exclusive

Port Charlotte, 14 years old

Islay Whisky Festival Exclusive

The 23rd release from Dramfool is a 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead of Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte is distilled at Bruichladdich Distillery using barley peated to 40ppm phenols. 

The whisky was matured in a first fill Oloroso Sherry Hogshead and bottled un-chill-filtered at cask strength of 53.4% yielding 299 bottles.

Tasting Notes by Dave Broom

NOSE

A massive dram from the early days of Port Charlotte that mixes plump raisins, dates and strong tea, then the characteristic decking oil elements, though this time with added coffee, some bog myrtle-like smokiness and a hint of farmyard. Unusually for Port Charlotte, there’s a distinct meatiness (barbecued lamb/tomato), and then some walnut. Some of that concentration is lost when water is added, but not to the detriment of the overall balance.

PALATE

Big, oily, thick and robust, with a mouth-coating texture. There’s a whiff of enamel paint towards the front, then comes smoky bacon, charred fruits and blackened peppers as it becomes increasingly savoury and gamey. With water, there’s an eruption of peat, dried fruit and resin. In time, there’s Germoline and bandages.

FINISH

Long, with liquorice, fruit and smoke.

CONCLUSION

Huge wood, meet huge spirit. It’s full-on but there’s a surprising complexity underneath. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but for me, at the right time it’s a belter.