Port Charlotte 18: A Tribute to Islay’s Spirit and Future
In an announcement made public today, Port Charlotte revealed their 18 Years Old expression, their longest-running offering since reopening in 2001.
All single malts bearing the Port Charlotte label are distilled and bottled only on Islay. The brand is owned by Bruichladdich Distillery and is named after the Islay village of Port Charlotte.
Islay was the site of the whisky’s maturing for the whole 18-year bottling. Port Charlotte’s characteristic BBQ peat smoke was enhanced with a blend of refill French oak wine casks and refill sherry barrels, which the firm describes as adding “dried friend and sweetness to the whisky.”
“Today is a landmark in my career, and it is an honor to finally unveil our Port Charlotte 18 Years Old to the world,” remarked Adam Hannett, head distiller. This is a true time capsule since it is the first version of Port Charlotte that we have ever released. It exemplifies the progress made by the brand since its start in 2001. The release of this alcohol today is all the more significant because it was laid down in 2004 when Bruichladdich Distillery was on the verge of closure and full of uncertainty.
Our island and its people are honored in this whisky. In my opinion, it exemplifies the best qualities of an Islay whisky. While these barrels have been patiently aging in our warehouses, so much has changed here on the island; this 18 Years Old is both a tribute to our history and a glimpse into our future.
The Bruichladdich tasting notes bring out the toasted spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, along with the sweet and delicious dried fruit flavors, and a subtle peat smoke.
According to Hannett, Port Charlotte is unlike any other Islay whisky available, despite being deeply peated.
Everything about this Islay whisky is authentic, from the distillation process to the maturing and bottling, which takes place on the island. This whisky is all about geography. A spirit that personifies our dedication to our island home for nearly twenty years.
