After reviewing the Octomore Islay Barley, it’s time for it’s “little brother” the Port Charlotte Islay barley. Harvested in September 2008 from the farms at Coull, Kynagarry, Island, Rockside, Starchmill & Sunderland, peated to 40 PPM, then distilled in December of the same year, it is also around 5 years of age, diluted to 50% then bottled.
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2008 , 50% abv, £51
Nose: a very malty nose on entry until the phenols kick in. Then we get tar smoke and copious amounts of ash with gasoline and some eucalyptus. It’s not as fierce and deep as the Octomore Islay barley I’ve reviewed recently.
Palate: certainly an oily mouth feel, with a lot of ash, leather and soot , pepper and bitter oak with a hint of kippers and sea salt as well as mocha.
Finish: bitter chocolate on top of smoky ashy burnt toast. Dry.
Conclusion:
A very decent pc. Though I’ve had better older PCs (for example the PC11 OB). If you compare it to the Octomore Islay Barley, it’s much more affordable, but It’s not as fierce and complex as it’s bigger peatier brother. I think if you calculate the BFYB factor you get a wonderful malt for 1/3 the price as the Octomore, which is hard to beat.
Score: 87/100
Available at the Green Welly Shop for £51