Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 embodies everything an Islay whisky can and should be. As well as adding complexity and depth to this single malt, the Islay grown barley goes beyond just the pursuit of flavour - evoking a true sense of place.
Located within 15 miles of the distillery, each of our eight local farming partners undertook the risk of growing in challenging conditions to deliver the barley used for this 2014 vintage.
Being located on Scotland’s rugged west coast, unpredictable weather, and grazing wild geese and deer means a successful harvest on Islay is never a given. But it’s a risk worth taking, resulting in a single malt with total traceability and unparalleled provenance.
Bottled at 50% ABV and peated to 40 PPM, the maturation profile consists of 84% in first fill bourbon casks, 8% in second fill Virgin oak and 8% in second fill Bordeaux wine casks. With notes of malty digestive biscuits and peat paving the way for a sweet medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon, this 2014 release holds fruit and smoke in perfect balance.
SPECIFICATIONS
Character
With a quiet complexity, Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 showcases the delicate balance of fruit and smoke which the single malt is renowned for.
Colour
Light amber
Nose
Malty digestive biscuits and peat embers open on the nose, followed by sweet vanilla and notes of honey, toffee and Crème Brûlée. As the whisky breathes its fruity character comes to the fore, with lemon rind and peat smoke rising from the glass, moving to grapefruit, ripe melon, peach and crisp red apple. Port Charlotte’s signature maritime note is offset with a touch of wood spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, showcasing the depth and complexity of this single malt.
Palate
An initial citrus tang is followed by sweet ripe fruit and gentle peat smoke. A subtle marine character comes through, with this sandy minerality complemented with toasted oak. On a second sip, the balance of fruit and smoke is unmistaken, with a medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon delicately wrapped in charred heather and peat embers. The maturation in American bourbon barrels brings lightly toasted oak notes, with a hint of coconut, creamy marzipan and tobacco.
Finish
Soft stoned fruit and toasted oak sweetness leave a beautifully balanced finish, while a subtle, dry barbeque smoke lingers.
