‘A Real Marker in Time’: Bruichladdich Unveils Port Charlotte 18 Year Old

Bruichladdich unveiled its oldest Port Charlotte expression to date, an Islay single malt with an 18-year age statement. (Photo: Bruichladdich)

Bruichladdich unveiled the release of its oldest scotch in its Port Charlotte line  to date on Thursday: an 18-year-old single malt from the Islay-based distillery.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 18 Year Old was distilled in 2004 and aged for 18 years in a mixture of 74% sherry casks and 26% French oak wine casks, according to the brand. The whisky was bottled at 54.3% ABV and can be purchased from select retailers or online via ReserveBar with a suggested retail price of $199.99.

“This is the oldest expression of Port Charlotte we’ve released to date and it’s a real marker in time,” Bruichladdich Head Distiller Adam Hannett said, according to The Scotsman Food and Drink. “It showcases how far the brand has come since its inception in 2001.”

The brand’s Port Charlotte Series is a range of heavily peated single malts named after the village a stone’s throw away from the distillery. The casks of these whiskies are distilled, bottled and aged exclusively on Islay.

In February, Bruichladdich unveiled its “Luxury Redefined” series, which featured an 18-year and 30-year expression. The 30-year-old dated back to the period the distillery was mothballed, from 1994 to 2001, and hosted a suggested retail price of $1,999.99. The 18-year-old scotch was referred to by the brand as a “coming-of-age” whisky and was made after the sleeping distillery was resurrected.

As for the latest offering within the brand’s Port Charlotte series, Hannett stressed the whisky was a true testament to the distillery’s location on Islay.

“This is a whisky dedicated to our island and our community,” Hannett said. “For me, it’s everything an Islay whisky can and should be.”

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 18 Year Old Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Dried fruit such as figs and golden raisins coupled with smoke, tobacco and burnt heather.

Taste: A balanced mixture of sweetness and smoke, with cinder toffee, orange citrus and peat-infused scones.

Finish: Smoked leather, wood spices and salinity.

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