Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011

Nose: Unadulterated sharp smoke, sweet cream, candied cranberries, somewhat mineral, mint? (with water) Slightly more vibrant, but largely unchanged. Taste: A bit hot, salty peat smoke, fresh red berries, a whisper of red wine vinegar, earth, dark chocolate, leather (with water) Saltiness intensified, more vivid/bright, less earth, dark chocolate, leather. Finish: Black pepper, earth, salt, woody herb/fruit stems (with water) unchanged. Score: 83/100 Final Thoughts: This was a respectable Port Charlotte release in general. The wine cask aging provided an added dimension beyond a standard ex-bourbon cask maturation, yet it felt somewhat fiery at times, and while water enhanced certain aspects, it detracted from others. I did appreciate the deep earthy, dark chocolate notes present without water, but it was a bit too hot initially. It possessed a very artificial sugar/rock candy sweetness which isn't always my preference. It's good, not exceptional, but not at all unpleasant. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Perhaps Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

(Good Spirits Co. Glasgow – Virtual Whisky Tasting, May 7, 2021). Nose: Oak, peat, medicinal (TCP), chocolate, caramelized brown sugar, vanilla. Palate: Berries, sweet red fruit, oak, vanilla, peat smoke, citrus, dried figs/dates. Finish: Medium-long. Coconut, salt, earthy. Slightly drying. Very sweet aftertaste. This is a pleasant, sweet, smoky whisky. It has BBQ and wood smoke characteristics with a very light, smooth overall feel. It's quite easy to drink for a heavily peated spirit. Two batches of spirits distilled in November 2011: Batch 1: Aged 6 years in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks, then 2 years in first-fill casks that previously held red wine from the Pauillac region in France. Batch 2: Aged 7 years in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks, then second-fill casks that previously held red wine from the Pauillac region in France. It ranked third out of six whiskies tasted, receiving 7% of the votes for the night's favorite. 57% of attendees reported enjoying the whisky.

Compared to the MRC 01, this is better put together. It has been open for less than seven days. Intense peat, somewhat harsh, flavors of bbq meats, tropical fruits, honey, vanilla, and subtle red fruit notes, a medium-long finish with a spicy aftertaste. It improved with a little water.

Comparing this to the standard, Islay Barley, and OLC, all of which I enjoy (OLC the most), this one might need time to open up. However, the wine notes are subtle, and a metallic taste is quite prominent. I like it the least of the four. The nougat flavor is particularly unpleasant.

Nose: Dried fruit, citrus candy, smoke, char, salt, and malt. Palate: Butterscotch, smoke, fruit, char, salt, and some floral notes. Finish: Extended, with smoke, camphor, and citric acid.

Nose: Peaty smoke, dried fruits Palate: Fruitcake, peaty smoke, a hint of Maltesers Finish: Dried fruits, spices, cloves This is truly delicious, though not quite as good as the OLC:01. Rating: 8.5/10