Port Charlotte 10 Year Old 2004 Malts of Scotland

Port Charlotte, the single malt that is produced by Bruichladdich, has been bottled by Malts of Scotland quite a few time already (this is their 17th!). It is the first PC, however, that matured on a French red wine cask. A Leroy red wine cask, to be precise. Domaine Leroy from Auxey-Duresses is known for their biodynamic wines and is at the top of their game. They have 9 Grand Crus and 8 Premier Crus. Let us see what this has done to the Port Charlotte.

The nose is quite fatty and reminds me of a farm from the get go, with underneath a lot of red fruit. Reminds me of a creamy cheese. Cowhide. Strawberries. Cough syrup and melon. A weird combo, but it works like a charm. Some mint and a delicate medicinal touch. This is very pleasant indeed!

Creamy and piquant at the attack – even quite alcoholic – and immediately smoky and medicinal. The palate is the reverse of the nose. The farmy elements are gone and replaced with sweet fruit with a sour edge. Citrus. Some ginger and a hint of cloves.

In the lang, warm finish I can even taste the wine itself, which is a surprising twist.

Great Port Charlotte, with the wine truly adding something valuable (although I am sure this would be a great whisky on a bourbon cask as well). Having said that, I find 140 EUR rather steep for a ten year old whisky.

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