Port Charlotte Whisky 10 years 50°

In 2018, Port Charlotte reinvented its range and packaging to introduce this 10-year-old expression, replacing the distillery's "Scottish Barley." Still made from 100% Scottish barley from Inverness County and spring water from Islay, this heavily peated single malt (40 ppm) is aged 65% in first-fill American whiskey barrels, 10% in second-fill American whiskey barrels, and 25% in second-fill French wine casks.

The new green glass bottle packaging of the Port Charlotte range pays homage to the design of peated whisky bottles produced by other Islay distilleries. However, the distillery insists that its single malt be imagined, distilled, aged, and bottled on Islay.

The smoky aroma of peat persists, with discernible dry, earthy notes. Both peaty and ashy, it then gives way to oak, revealing its delicacy in waves: soft caramel, fudge, vanilla custard, enhanced by a touch of ginger, a pinch of nutmeg, and cloves. A drop of water is enough to tame the citrus and the lemon and clementine meringue, releasing their fresh notes.

The balance of flavors is sublime when the power of the peat envelops the sweetness and depth of the oak. Coconut, vanilla custard, and lemon honey meet smoked oysters and sun-drenched warm sand.

Smoky, of course, but also soft thanks to caramel and malted barley flavors. The depth of the oak also allows orange, mango, and banana-caramel tart to make their appearance. With each sip, the aromas intertwine and reveal their complexity. Notes of apple and ripe apricot follow the ebb and flow of peat smoke. The sweetness of malt and oak adds to this delicate marriage, skillfully enhanced by Port Charlotte's iconic dry smoke.