PORT CHARLOTTE - Islay Barley - 2014 - 50% - Tasting & Technical Sheet by Clos des Spiritueux
The Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014, bottled at 50%, embodies the excellence of peaty Scottish whisky, a single malt produced by Bruichladdich. This edition highlights 100% Islay barley, sourced exclusively from selected farms on the island. The artisanal distillation and meticulous aging in a demanding selection of first-fill bourbon casks, wine casks, and rare barrels bring remarkable aromatic complexity. The whisky presents a pale, bright golden color, reflecting both its youth and the richness of its terroir.
On the nose, the peaty signature is immediately expressed but with elegance: subtle embers, salty and coastal peat, carried by refined aromas of candied lemon, ripe pear, yellow apple, and creamy vanilla. Iodized notes, a touch of floral honey, fresh cereals, and a marine hint reminiscent of Islay’s wild coast are also distinguishable. The balance between the power of smoke and the finesse of fruit makes this Port Charlotte a modern Islay, bright and expressive, masterfully controlled from start to finish.
On the palate, the Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 shows a perfectly integrated 50% ABV: a broad, oily, and silky attack, unfolding a complex profile where soft vanilla, light caramel, yellow fruits, and biscuity malt accompany intense brazier smoke, notes of wood fire, damp earth, and licorice. The acidic tension of lemon zest, the typical salty touch of Islay, and a slight bitterness of noble cocoa structure the tasting and bring relief and freshness. A few drops of water reveal an expanded aromatic spectrum: floral, cereal nuances, fresh fruits, and minerality. The long, persistent finish evolves on sea salt, delicate smoke, soft malt, and a lingering lemon flavor, inviting contemplation.
The Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 selected by Clos des Spiritueux is ideal for neat tasting, in a whisky-appropriate glass, after a few minutes of aeration. Versatile and gourmet, it enhances strong cheeses (aged cheddar, fruity comté), smoked fish, marinated salmon, characterful oysters, or any marine dish rich in iodine. It also pairs well with intense dark chocolate or an exceptional cigar, to prolong the aromatic exploration. This peated single malt delivers the full soul of Islay: complex peat, sea minerality, pure barley, and Bruichladdich’s unique know-how, for a whisky that is powerful, refined, and unmistakable.
Discover Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 at Clos des Spiritueux, your specialist in online sales of exceptional whiskies, and explore the full diversity and richness of Islay Island through sharp selections, detailed tasting notes, and expert advice for a unique experience around Scottish single malt.
