Port Charlotte 2014 Islay Barley

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 embodies everything an Islay whisky can and should be. As well as adding complexity and depth to this single malt, the Islay grown barley goes beyond just the pursuit of flavour - evoking a true sense of place.

BARLEY PROVENANCE: 100% Islay Concerto and Propino barley
MALTING: Heavily Peated
DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2014 from the 2013 harvest
AGE: 7 Aged Years
MATURATION PROFILE: 84% first fill bourbon casks, 8% second fill Virgin oak and 8% second fill wine casks
PHENOL LEVEL: 40 parts per million (PPM)
STRENGTH: 50% ABV
FARMS: Cruach, Craigens, Island, Dunlossit, Coull, Rockside, Sunderland and Mulindry Farms

Tasting notes:
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.

Colour: Light amber

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.