After having recently enjoyed participating in Bruichladdich’s virtual Feis Ile celebrations, it’s time to review one of their whiskies that was launched before all that, the Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 8 Years. It is part of the distillery’s Cask Exploration series, which has previously featured the Port Charlotte OLC:01 and MRC:01.
This latest addition to the series celebrates the convergence of French and Scottish provenance. As we’ve come to expect, the Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 is made from 100% Scottish barley (Concerto, to be exact) peated at 40 ppm. Two parcels of Port Charlotte have been combined to create the PAC:01.
First a parcel that initially matured in first-fill American whiskey casks, followed by a two year finish in first-fill casks that previously held red wine from the Pauillac region of France. The other parcel also started out its life in first-fill American whiskey casks, but instead was finished for one year in second-fill casks from the same French wine region.
Port Charlotte PAC:01 2011 8 Years (56.1%, OB, 2021)
Nose: Quite farmy with a subtle wine influence. Plenty of hay and straw accompanied by gentle wood smoke and sweet peat, as well as hazelnuts, oyster liquor and a fresh sea breeze. There’s a subtle minerality, tinned pineapple and sultanas. Finally a whisper of cinnamon and cloves.
Taste: Lovely oily texture. A spicy arrival with soot and sweet peat, as well as some honey, marshmallows and barley husks. Whiff of walnuts, rubber and charred citrus peel as well.
Finish: Lingering spices, smoke and bandages.
Sample provided by Bruichladdich
