Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014, (Heavily Peated Bruichladdich), 50%

Introduction

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 represents Bruichladdich’s commitment to terroir and transparency in whisky making, created from barley grown exclusively on Islay farms and heavily peated to 40 PPM to deliver an authentic taste of the island’s whisky heritage.

Production Method

• Raw materials: 100% Islay-grown barley harvested in 2013 from farms at Octomore, Coull, Kynagarry, Sunderland, and Island farms, showcasing Islay’s agricultural heritage
• Distillation process: Traditional Scottish pot still distillation at Bruichladdich distillery, using Islay spring water and peat levels of 40 PPM (parts per million)
• Maturation: Complex maturation in 84% first fill American bourbon casks, 8% second fill Virgin oak casks, and 8% second fill Bordeaux wine casks
• Special techniques: Natural non-chill filtered whisky with no added coloring, bottled at 50% ABV to preserve maximum flavor and character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Maritime peat smoke mingles with orchard fruits, vanilla custard, and caramel, alongside subtle notes of citrus zest, honey, and fresh coastal air
• Palate: Rich waves of smoky peat balanced by sweet malt, toasted oak, and dark chocolate, with complex layers of ripe pear, cinnamon spice, sea salt, and hints of red berries from the wine cask influence
• Finish: Long, warming finish where peat smoke lingers alongside sweet vanilla, gentle oak spices, and a distinctive maritime minerality characteristic of Islay whisky

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn glass to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity, though a few drops of spring water can open up additional flavor dimensions
• Food pairings: Pairs exceptionally with smoked seafood, particularly Islay oysters or smoked salmon, as well as dark chocolate desserts or blue cheese

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 50% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Islay
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Bruichladdich’s acclaimed terroir-focused range, recognized for authentic representation of Islay’s whisky tradition

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014 offers a rare opportunity to taste Islay’s terroir in its purest form, with every element from barley to bottle originating on the legendary whisky island.

Each release of this special whisky is limited by the harvest yields of the participating Islay farms, making it a finite expression that varies subtly with each vintage.

Bruichladdich’s master distillers, with generations of Islay whisky-making expertise, have created this expression as a testament to what authentic, heavily peated Islay whisky can achieve when crafted with transparency and respect for tradition.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and critics consistently praise Port Charlotte Islay Barley for maintaining the perfect balance between powerful peat character and the nuanced influence of local barley.

Collectors who have followed previous vintages of this series often commit to acquiring each new release, recognizing the value in comparing how different growing seasons on Islay translate into the final whisky.

The authenticity of this farm-to-bottle approach has earned Bruichladdich respect in an industry where provenance and production methods are increasingly important to discerning drinkers.

From Islay’s Fields to Your Glass

By supporting this expression, you’re not just enjoying a premium whisky, but also contributing to Bruichladdich’s mission to revitalize barley farming on Islay, directly benefiting the island’s agricultural community.

The approachable yet complex character of Port Charlotte Islay Barley appeals to both seasoned whisky aficionados and those new to heavily peated malts, offering an experience that’s both intensely flavorful and surprisingly balanced.

Join the community of whisky drinkers who value transparency, sustainability, and genuine terroir by experiencing this authentic piece of Islay craftsmanship that connects you directly to the island’s rich whisky heritage.