Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Scottish Barley Heavily Peated Shelf Review

Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

I’ll start this review by saying – this is NOT the Port Charlotte Heavily Peated you see on most liquor store shelves. Instead, this is the final bottle from my Bruichladdich 200ml tasting from all the way back in 2017. That means, this is one of the original “Scottish Barley Heavily Peated” expressions – before the Port Charlotte line exploded into numerous different variations and become one of Bruichladdich’s most recognizable labels. This bottle boasts a 50% ABV, a relatively attainable MSRP (when it was available) and promises to deliver a peated character that some of Bruichladdich’s other core expressions avoid. So, let’s dive in and see how Bruichladdich does peat!

Age: Non-Age Stated

ABV: 50%

Cask: Ex-bourbon

MSRP: $60

Distillery Name: Bruichladdich Distillery

Review Date: 11/22/23

Nose: Lemon curd, singed flowers, white ash, cured pork, gardenia, tropical fruit, and a clean burning smoke. Significantly gentler than I was expecting.

Palate: Initial notes of rich meat, touch of rubber and brisket burnt ends. Earthy sweetness, graham crackers, and salty air all round out an enjoyable palate. Mouthfeel is excellent.

 Finish: Medium to long finish that clings to the mouth. Campfire smoke, sweet honey, charcoal briquettes, and lovely delicate vanillas.  

Score: 87

Would I buy again? This Bruichladdich Port Charlotte Heavily Peated surprised me. I found it easily drinkable and enjoyable – even for a non-peat head like me. It features a much cleaner peat flavor than I expected from a bottle with “heavily peated” in the name. Yes, there’s heavy peat but it’s much softer and approachable than other brasher Islay malts. And while I’ve avoided most heavily peated malts to this point, this bottle may have converted me into a believer. For anyone looking to get into peat, this shouldn’t be your first stop. But if you’ve enjoyed your Caol Ila’s and your Taliskers, this is a great bottle to take that smokey step – if you can find it.