Port Charlotte PC11 Eòrna Na H-Alba
Review by Port Charlotte
- Colour
Deep sunset / amber topaz.
- Nose
It opens with rich, sweet, sherry and dry peat smoke, followed by notes of dates, prunes and raisins. Then hints of cinnamon bark, liquorice, juniper and mint. Next to rise is the citrus lemon and honey, synonymous with coastal maturation, and the sweet cereal notes from distillation – apple, pear, apricot and banana.
- Palate
It’s a brilliant combination of seductive sherry and viscous texture that delights the palate. Mature “solera” notes of roasted walnut, oak, crème brûlée, tapioca plus the raisin flavours of dark, ripe fruits. Overlaid with all of the magic of handcrafted Islay single malt and this PC11 is really special. The original Port Charlotte was last produced in 1923 and all who made it are no longer alive, however their spirit remains and I hope as they enjoy their angels' share they give us their blessings.
- Finish
The richness of the spirit lingers on and on, a sensation you never want to end. For peat lovers this is wicked stuff – 59.5%, 40ppm, Scotland and Spain together – a combination full of passion, pride and excitement.