Port Charlotte 10yo Sauternes Finish; Straight From the Cask

The final dram I had at the Bruichladdich distillery was a Port Charlotte. To clarify the process: Bruichladdich produces three whiskies: one with the same name, typically unpeated; Port Charlotte, supposedly heavily peated (more like 'normally' peated); and Octomore, an extremely peated whisky. This particular one is a 2012 vintage Port Charlotte, aged for 10 years in bourbon casks and finished in a Sauternes cask. It was poured directly from the cask at approximately 60% ABV. On the nose, it has an aromatic peat. Notes of lemon peel, hand lotion, soap, and cider. Lemon peel spiciness, malted barley, and a damp cardboard box. Impressively oily and spicy. On the palate, it feels cool. It's like the heart of a peach. Salt and malted barley. Not overly complex. The aftertaste begins with aromatic peat and plastic. It's dry and not excessively long but incredibly enjoyable. Notes of fruit peel and earthy elements. Overall, this is a pleasant whisky. I believe it could benefit from a bit more complexity, but the peaty notes are well-executed. The nose and aftertaste are the strongest aspects. My rating is 84 out of 100.