Port Charlotte takes ‘new direction’ with 18YO
Bruichladdich Distillery has released the 2025 edition of Port Charlotte 18 Years Old, with only 8,000 bottles created.
The brand is named after a village two miles south of Bruichladdich Distillery and was first distilled on the island in 2001. It was relaunched in 2018.
The new expression is made using 100% Scottish barley that has been distilled, matured and bottled exclusively on the island. It is malted to 40 PPM (parts per million).
This year’s release was matured in three different types of casks at a specific ratio: 53% in rare first-fill Bourbon; 31% in second-fill Sherry; and 16% in Sherry for 11 years, followed by virgin French oak for around five years, and its final period in second-fill Bourbon.
The different liquids were then married and bottled at 51.5% ABV.
Head distiller Adam Hannett said: “Port Charlotte speaks of its island home. This is a spirit that is rooted in authenticity, provenance and community. For me, it’s everything an Islay Scotch whisky should be.
“The 2025 Edition showcases how multifaceted and unique Port Charlotte is when it comes to flavour. With a primarily Bourbon cask influence, a distinct salinity from its island maturation, and bottled at 18 years old – a real sweet spot for the heavily peated spirit – the latest expression is refined yet exceptionally elegant. There’s real depth and complexity with every sip.
“Bourbon-forward maturation is in keeping with our Bruichladdich Distillery house style. It gives our single malt whiskies a light, vibrant and elegant character, which works exceptionally well with Port Charlotte’s distinct, smoky flavour.
“When it comes to the 2025 Edition, the 18-year-old single malt whisky has distinct notes of vanilla, salted caramel and hazelnut from the toasted ex-American oak.
“These rounded, sweet flavours work beautifully with the spirit’s signature peat smoke and cut through the savoury, barbecue character, taking Port Charlotte in a new direction.”
Priced at £175 (US$221), Port Charlotte 18 Years Old is available directly from Bruichladdich’s website and select specialist retailers.
Last year, Port Charlotte experimented with a Syrah cask whisky.
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