Port Charlotte 2023 14 Years - Brühler Whiskyhaus
The A Dream of Scotland series by Brühler Whiskyhaus stands for independent bottlings with distinctive character. This 14-years Port Charlotte from the Bruichladdich distillery, bottled at a robust cask strength, promises an intense tasting experience rooted in Islay's unique spirit. Is this whisky another highlight of the series?
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first sniff takes you on a journey: mildly smoky notes of BBQ and ham blend with red fruits, including blackcurrants, adding a fresh and fruity touch. Hints of vanilla and caramel provide a pleasant sweetness, harmoniously rounding off the bouquet.
Palate
On the palate, the 14-years Port Charlotte reveals its full-bodied complexity. The subtle smoke remains present, accompanied by light earthy tones and a hint of maritime breeze, reminiscent of salty waves. The BBQ sauce and ham notes from the nose return, adding memorable depth to the flavor.
Finish
The finish is long and layered. Spicy oak notes dominate at first, gradually giving way to a light fruity sweetness, providing a well-rounded conclusion.
Thoughts
Marcel 80/100
This Port Charlotte is like a cheerful evening around the campfire: spicy, smoky, and with a pleasant sweetness that never becomes overpowering. For anyone who enjoys character and a touch of saltiness, this is a genuine taste experience. Simply a whisky that lifts your spirits and leaves you wanting more!
Sascha 85/100
The precise balance between smoke, salty sea notes, and fruity sweetness makes this Port Charlotte an analytically convincing bottling. The complex structure and long-lasting, spicy finish demonstrate a successful maturation at 56.2% ABV. A technically very well-balanced Islay whisky that underscores the quality standards of independent bottlings.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does the Port Charlotte 2023 14 Year differ from other Islay whiskies?
The Port Charlotte 2023 14 Year stands out through its combination of robust cask strength (56.2% ABV) and a balanced interplay of smoky BBQ notes with fruity blackcurrant aromas. The subtle sea breeze and complex spiciness distinguish it from typical Islay whiskies, which are often more heavily smoky or peaty.
Why is the cask strength important for the tasting experience of the Port Charlotte 14 Year?
The cask strength of 56.2% delivers a more intense and full-bodied tasting experience since the whisky is undiluted. This keeps the aromas of smoke, fruit, and spice especially vivid and complex, highlighting the depth and multi-layered character of this whisky.
How does the 14-year maturation influence the character of this Port Charlotte whisky?
The 14-year maturation imparts a harmonious balance between smoky, fruity, and spicy notes. Time in the cask develops vanilla and caramel aromas as well as spicy oak tones, which shape the complex and long-lasting finish.