Port Charlotte

Port Charlotte is a heavily peated single malt whisky from the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Scotland. Revived in the early 2000s as part of Bruichladdich’s renaissance, the Port Charlotte brand pays homage to the original Port Charlotte Distillery, which operated in the nearby village of the same name from 1829 to 1929. Today, it represents Bruichladdich’s commitment to producing complex, deeply flavoured, and heavily peated whisky while maintaining a balance of elegance and refinement.

Distilled using 100% Scottish barley, Port Charlotte whisky showcases a peat level of around 40 PPM (phenol parts per million), firmly in the “heavily peated” category, yet deliberately crafted to avoid overpowering the spirit’s natural fruitiness. Bruichladdich’s tall-necked stills, combined with slow distillation, produce a spirit that allows the peat smoke to integrate harmoniously with floral and citrus notes rather than dominate.

Port Charlotte is matured entirely on Islay, with casks stored in warehouses just metres from the Atlantic shoreline. This maritime location brings subtle briny and mineral influences to the whisky over time. The distillery employs a variety of cask types, primarily first-fill and refill American oak ex-bourbon barrels, but also sherry butts, wine casks, and other innovative finishes, to add layers of sweetness, spice, and texture.

Flavour-wise, Port Charlotte is known for its peat complexity, less medicinal than some Islay malts, with more of a dry, earthy, and barbecue smoke character. On the nose, expect lemon peel, vanilla cream, smoked malt, and sea spray. The palate often combines honey, toasted oak, and tropical fruit with waves of smoke, while the finish lingers with gentle spice, char, and coastal minerality. The 10 Year Old expression, in particular, has gained a reputation for being one of the most balanced heavily peated whiskies available.

Sustainability and provenance are central to Bruichladdich’s philosophy. The distillery champions local barley production, transparency in sourcing, and sustainable farming initiatives. Port Charlotte’s Islay Barley releases are a direct result of long-term partnerships with island farmers, highlighting the link between land and liquid.

Our Port Charlotte selection spans the flagship 10 Year Old, terroir-driven Islay Barley editions, and rare limited releases that explore cask innovation and flavour diversity. Whether you’re an Islay whisky enthusiast seeking peat with precision, or a collector looking for unique cask finishes, Port Charlotte offers a modern interpretation of heavy peat, deeply smoky, yet balanced, nuanced, and unmistakably of Islay.