Port Charlotte 18 Year (2024 Release)

A limited release of 6000 bottles, featuring a mix of sherry and French oak refilled wine casks. These are initial impressions from the first pour. Nose: It's complex. Initially, sweet vanilla and red fruits are present. Deeper inspection reveals notes of raspberry gasoline and confectioner's sugar, with hints of clean smoke and salinity. Taste: The mouthfeel and overall flavor are exceptionally great. I detect red fruits, cheesecake, rich smoke, and savory meats. The combination of slightly acidic charred beef tips with red fruits is interesting, showcasing the influence of the unusual wine casks. This is a great spirit, especially for a first taste from the bottle. Considering the limited production and shipping costs, the price felt reasonable. It's a good purchase, though not essential. I'm rating it a 3.5, but I anticipate it might improve with time.

This spirit benefits significantly from a bit of water. Without it, the flavors seem too restrained and difficult to discern. With a splash of water and allowing it time to develop, the nose reveals berries, vanilla custard, barbecue smoke, a hint of iodine, aged cheese, and leather. The palate is characterized by creamy custard with blackberry, counterbalanced by sweet smoke. Additional notes include citrus fruit, a touch of peppery spice, leather, and dark chocolate. Anticipating its quality, I acquired this before any reviews were available, having previously enjoyed all offerings from Bruichladdich. The primary question was its ultimate caliber. After a few tastings over a couple of weeks, I find it ranges from very good to excellent. It hasn't immediately become a top favorite as I'd hoped, but I'm certainly pleased to have a bottle to observe its progression.

Truly excellent, with wonderfully rich fruit flavors from the sherry aging that complement the peaty essences, resulting in an almost perfect scotch whisky. The 108.6 proof is also delightful, and this dram is particularly suited for fall and winter, offering a cozy profile. This 2024 release is fairly scarce, with only 6000 bottles produced.

Aroma: Dried fruit notes, figs, sweet raisins, followed by subtle smoke and oak. Flavor: Sweet fruits, spices, citrus, toffee, and honey with a touch of gentle smoke. Aftertaste: Characterized by spicy notes, smoke, leather, and salty nuts.

Outstanding; ranks among my preferred pours of 2024. The combination of smoke, sea salt, brine, and vegetal peat is truly magnificent in every aspect.

Exceptional value for the price.