PORT CHARLOTTE - Islay Barley - 2014 - 50%
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014, bottled at 50%, embodies Bruichladdich's vision of a heavily peated single malt deeply rooted in its terroir. Made exclusively from Islay barley, grown on a few farms on the island then malted and distilled at the distillery, it presents a bright pale gold color, revealing maturation in a mix of first-fill bourbon casks, wine casks, and other carefully selected barrels. On the nose, the smoke is immediately present but elegant, more ember and coastal peat than raw ash, supported by notes of candied lemon, ripe pear, yellow apple, and soft vanilla. A saline thread, hints of malted barley, a slight marine character, and touches of light honey complete the picture, giving the impression of a whisky that is both powerful, precise, and luminous. Overall, it announces a modern Islay where peat accompanies the fruit without ever overpowering it.
On the palate, the 50% offers a broad and oily attack, perfectly balanced, coating the palate without aggression. The mid-palate blends the sweetness of vanilla, light caramel, biscuit malt, and yellow fruits with a more assertive smoke, in a register of warm embers, campfire, and damp earth. A lemony, almost zesty note adds tension and keeps the whisky remarkably digestible despite its peated character. The salinity, a signature of Islay, underlines everything, with a noble slight bitterness reminiscent of citrus zest and very light cocoa. A few drops of water further open the profile, revealing more fruit, a discreet floral touch, and more cereal nuances, while softening the perception of peat. The finish is long, persistent, marked by smoke, salt, malt, and a delicate lemon note that extends the pleasure.
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 is a single malt clearly crafted for neat tasting, perfect for those seeking a peated Islay that is both expressive and finely constructed. It is ideally savored in a suitable glass, after a few minutes of breathing, possibly playing with a splash of water to explore the different aromatic layers. At the table, it will find a fine echo with characterful cheeses, aged cheddar or comté, smoked fish, marinated salmon, oysters, or iodine-rich seafood cuisine. It can also accompany a lightly sweetened dark chocolate or an elegantly chosen cigar, to prolong the tasting in a register of pure contemplation. It is an identity whisky, telling the story of peat, the sea, Islay barley, and Bruichladdich's very artisanal style, with this combination of controlled power, generous texture, and great aromatic clarity.
