Springtime is here and so is the 2022 release of Port Charlotte Cask Exploration series.

Last year we had PAC:01 2011 that was finished in French wine barrels from the Pauillac region and the year before we had OLC:01 in Oloroso casks – and I think both were fantastic. This year we have something special: not only we’re having Sauternes finish, we also have a release that contains 100% Islay grown barley. The barley was harvested in 2011  from farms surrounding the distillery and then distilled in 2012 and filled into Sherry butts, first fill and refill American oak casks (A.K.A ex-bourbon) and then re-casked (or finished if you prefer this term) into Sauternes casks.

There’s quite a complex route and formula, but what we care about what Adam Hannett created for us and is how is final result.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte SC:01 2012 (55.2%, £95)

Nose: Sweetness, sweet peat, sweet grapes and stone fruits, nuttiness,, honey, honeydew melon, red fruits peels bubble up from the bottom, fragrant vanilla filled muffins, bakery, pears and more peaches, soft peat smoke, almonds. a relaxed and settled nose.

Palate: Vanilla, earthy with dunnage warehouse, light peat smoke with wet ashes, sweet ripe grapes, citrus and pears, honey and white chocolate.

Finish: Medium length, more fruitiness and vanilla, lingering dried red berries, oak, grapes, citrus peels and peat smoke.

Thoughts: Another lovely release in the Cask Exploration series. The smoke is very subdued here and we’re mostly left with earthy peat and fruitiness which is a great combo that I like. Good one Adam!