Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Heavily Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

Two miles south of Bruichladdich, hugging the shore of Loch Indaal, lies the village of Port Charlotte and ruins of Lochindaal Distillery, that ran spirit for 100 years between 1829 and 1929.

The Port Charlotte 10 Year Heavily Peated Scotch has an expected smokey aroma, well balanced by its time in oak. Dry and earthy, the scent is accompanied by waves of golden caramel, fudge, vanilla custard, hints of ginger, nutmeg and clove. There is citrus fruit, coaxed from the glass with a drop of water, gentle lemon meringue and clementine. Breathe deeply and the floral aromas of wild thyme, heather and sea pink bring you to this Atlantic coast.

On the palate there is a noticeable delicacy and softness in texture and style. Again, the balance of flavor is superb as the smoke wraps loosely around the sweetness drawn from deep within the oak. Coconut, vanilla custard, lemon honey combines with smoked oysters and sun baked salty sand.

The finish is sublime, smoky for sure, but also the soft sweetness of fudge and malted barley, orange, and mango hinting of the depth and quality of the oak. The many layers interchange on each sip. As the smoke comes and goes so too the notes of the spirit, ripe apple and apricot, beautifully intertwined with malt and oak sweetness and that typical Port Charlotte style dry smoke.

Aging for 10 years on the shores of Loch Indaal has had a profound effect on this spirit. Like sunshine on a winter's day, this Port Charlotte 10 brings clarity and lightens the mood, welcoming and brightening the future.