Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 50% 70cl

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 50% 70cl

Fully traceable from farm to glass, Islay Barley 2014 has been matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks, sherry butts and second-fill wine casks, balancing the influence of the oak with the locally grown barley.

The result is a cereal-forward single malt with notes of apricot and peach, malty digestive biscuit, and a hint of fresh grass. A subtle maritime note also lingers, nodding to the whisky’s all Islay harvest, distillation and maturation.

Official tasting note:

Nose: Delicate floral notes along with sweet malt and ripe grain open on the nose. Hints of pepper and soft spices follow before the dram reveals soft stoned fruits and creamy vanilla. Creamy vanilla, a hint of coconut, butterscotch, and brown sugar come from the oak, alongside delicate notes of nutmeg and hazelnut. Fruit notes continue to open, with fragrant peach, honeyed melon, pear drops and warm banana bread.

Palate: Creamy vanilla and lemon are immediate on the palate, with a peppery nutmeg spice giving way to sweet malt, warm porridge and popcorn. The depth of flavour and creamy, viscous texture is typical of our Islay barley style, with the natural oils from the barley enhanced with layers of sweet citrus, tropical fruit and fragrant peach. The combination of American and French oak makes for a beautifully balanced expression, with a drop of water bringing out subtle marine notes.

Finish: sweet, stone fruits settle on the palate with creamy vanilla custard and a touch of coconut, while a delicate floral note lingers.