Port Charlotte PMC:01 2013: Heavily peated whisky from the Cask Exploration series

Petra Milde |

A Port Charlotte matured for the first time in Pomerol casks

 

There is news from the Islay distillery Bruichladdich: With the Port Charlotte PMC:01, a bottling is released in the Cask Exploration series that was influenced by French red wine casks. To be more precise, these were casks in which Pomerol, red wine from an AOC region in Bordeaux, was previously stored. This wine region is characterised by a warm climate and bluish coloured limestone and sandy soils. The wine is characterised by a deep red colour and a plum aroma.

Pomerol casks used for the first time for the Port Charlotte

The Port Charlotte PMC:01 is the sixth bottling in the Cask Exploration series, in which the Bruichladdich Distillery selects special casks of its heavily peated Port Charlotte whisky. Pomerol casks were used for the first time for a Port Charlotte. The whisky spent 5 years in them, having previously been matured for four years from 2013 to 2017 in first-fill ex-bourbon cask.

"PMC:01 is a story of place. The latest vintage - profoundly influenced by the rich, fruit-laden oak of the Pomerol casks, as well as the salty maritime note of its all-Islay maturation – brings together two unique locales. This is a whisky which links flavour to land. A whisky which speaks of a complex lineage. A whisky that is proud of where it’s from," the distillery says on their website.

Port Charlotte PMC:01 2013 is based on heavily peated malt from Concerto barley, which has a phenol content of 40ppm. It was bottled at 54.5% vol. aged 9 years, in natural colour and without chill filtering. It replaces its predecessor Port Charlotte SC:01.

Producer’s tasting notes for the Port Charlotte PMC:01

Character: This release marks the first time we’ve matured Port Charlotte spirit in Pomerol casks, and the result is really special. The quality of the oak paired with the versatility of the spirit is remarkable, and the flavour pays homage to both the wine region of the cask and the spirit’s all-inlay maturation. It showcases the harmonious balance between oak, rich fruit and gentle peat smoke – an unforgettable single malt.

Colour: Hazel

Nose: Warm peat smoke and red fruits open on the nose, moving to stewed pears, melon and a subtle marine note. Delicate floral notes of rose and geranium follow, with hints of vanilla, honey, leather and toasted oak coming from the wood. As the spirit opens further, a subtle spice mix of clove and ginger comes to the fore, with a touch of marzipan.

Palate: Malt sugar and peat smoke complement the tremendous viscosity of the liquid which coats the palate. The influence of the cask continues and showcases the harmonious balance of oak and fruit, with succulent blackberries, plum and aged leather.

Finish: Mellow marine tones, crushed seashells and a hint of citrus lemon rind nod to the single malt’s all-Islay maturation while Port Charlotte’s signature peat smoke lingers.

 

Image: Bruichladdich / Reidemeister & Ulrichs GmbH

About the author Petra Milde

Petra Milde is a freelance author of books and specialist writing about spirits and food. She has been supporting the Whisky.de editorial team since 2015 and creates informative and entertaining articles in the news section.

Besides her writing work, she moderates tastings and can be met at spirits fairs, both behind the stands and in front of them, looking for new products and interesting people to talk to.

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