Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011

 

I do love Bruichladdich and their peated variant Port Charlotte; this is their PAC:01, which is part of their cask exploration series. Here is Bruichladdich's own explanation:

Introducing the newest Cask Exploration edition of our heavily peated Islay single malt, the Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 demonstrates the versatility of our soft, barbeque smokey Scotch in the highest quality French oak casks. Two parcels of Scottish barley distilled spirit have matured for a minimum of six years in ex-American oak casks before being transferred to red wine casks from the Gironde left bank, north of Bordeaux. Bottled at 56.1% abv, this spirit showcases stunning spice and fruit notes. It is a rich and elegant, undeniably Islay single malt.

Sounds great to me! I was also a huge fan of the last iteration of this, the OLC:01. So let's see how it does:

Nose: Outstandingly rich; overtly complex. Honeycomb, a landslide of red and (intriguingly) white wine notes, coastal salt and mineral notes, vanilla pods, bright citrus, light oak char, and smoke. Subtle BBQ. Delectable nose. Some pepper too. 

Mouthfeel: Medium, oily, chewy. 

Palate: Wow, the palate is even better than the nose (!). Ash, soft brine, crushed shells, honey, smoked beef ribs, industrial coal smoke, olive oil, vanilla, red wine. Very rich. Some metal at the very end of the development. This is the perfect strength at 56.1% - there is no appreciable alcohol burn, just a general warming sensation across the mouth. 

Finish: Medium length finish, lots of ash and pepper and honey. Red wine tannins and black pepper.  Quite nice. 

Verdict: Wow, another big winner from Bruichladdich/Port Charlotte. This is very refined and complex, but also potent and full of big flavor. I'm a huge fan. Giant thank you to Rob Martin for the last drams of the bottle! I will be seeking this out. This is up there with the Bere Barley as my favorite from the distillery. Amazing whisky. Highly recommended.