Preamble

Many moons ago, a Port Charlotte whisky opened my eyes to the world of peat. It was a work Christmas party and I knew the drinks at the venue would be shoddy, so I picked up some miniatures from my local drinks purveyor so that I knew I’d have an ample supply of something pleasant to sip. It was a great call. I don’t remember the other drams, but I do remember sitting in front of the open fire with my glass of Port Charlotte and a few colleagues. That moment will never leave me.

Since then, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Port Charlotte liquid. I’ve been quite lucky to be able to try some of their rarer early releases under the Bruichladdich banner. They all carry a certain signature of quality, and peat, but without the medicinal nature of some other Islay distilleries. Some would even say they’re quite smooth.

When I got the email through for this new expression, finished in Sauternes casks, I had to get a bottle immediately. I’ve been wanting to try a good Sauternes finish whisky for a little while and this just sounded like a match made in heaven.

I’m not sure what I make of the whole “Providence” and “Terroir” thing they’ve got going on. A large part of me thinks it’s just an alternative angle on the marketing drivel. On the other hand, it influences the pride and quality that they put into the crafting of their liquid and that shines through brightly. All of their liquid seems to be of top quality.

The Liquid

The barley for this whisky was entirely grown on the island of Islay. This is a first for one of the so-called Cask Exploration whiskies. It was shipped to the Scottish mainland to be malted to 40 ppm before being returned for distilling and aging on the island.

It is a mix of liquids that has seen varying combinations of sherry and bourbon wood before being finished in Sauternes casks.

• Parcel one: Sherry butts recasked into first fill sauternes casks.
• Parcel two: Second fill American whiskey barrels recasked into second-fill sauternes casks.
• Parcel three: A combination of first and second fill American whiskey barrels recasked into first fill sauternes casks.

Bottled without chill filtering or added colour, at a healthy 55.2% ABV.

Tasting Notes

Look and feel:

Dark straw coloured liquid with long but narrow legs.

Nose:

Initially Crème Brulé with stacks of vanilla. This gives way to stewed stone fruits with marzipan and hints hay. The smoke is really subtle on the nose and doesn’t really appear until after you’ve had a sip.

Palate:

Sweet and slightly astringent. Plenty of bonfire smoke. There’s a real oaky bite which lapses to cayenne pepper as you let the liquid swirl around. Green apples come through and then lots of bitter leather and boot polish notes. There’s a slightly salty tang too.

Finish:

The cayenne pepper lingers with a good dose of smoke and it really lasts.

Overall thoughts

This whisky really carries all the hallmarks of a good Port Charlotte dram along with something a bit different from the Sauternes casks. It really is good whisky and one I am certainly not regretting purchasing.

At the time of writing this is still available to buy for £95 from the Laddie Shop.