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Port Charlotte PC9

15th September 2011

You probably expected the Port Charlotte PC9 last year and now thought that there wasn't going to be a PC9 bottling, well here it is!

The Port Charlotte PC9 An Ataireachd Ard (The Surge Of The Sea) is an ultra-limited-edition release and the final step on this fascinating journey before Port Charlotte comes of age with next year’s full-release Port Charlotte 10 year old.

Bruichladdich actually considered not releasing a PC9, as they is so little of this precious spirit left, but they felt an obligation to the many thousands of PC fans who have supported and followed its progress through PC5, PC6, PC7 and PC8 – how could they not allow a lucky few to take this next, important step on the journey?

PC9 is the last limited release before the 2012 full-scale bottling. The PC9 was produced with 40 PPM heavily peated spirit then aged in American Oak Casks then bottled at 59.2% ABV, of course it is non-chill-filtered and colouring free - just how we like it and as it should be! This is a limited edition of only 6000 sequentially numbered bottles. Available from late September 2011, RRP £70.

Port Charlotte PC9 Tasting Notes

Producer's Tasting Notes:

Character: The strong pulse of Islay is unrestrained and inextinguishable. The heat, the peat and the power are fabulous. Your heart pumps harder, your eyes light up like Roman candles, and by now your anticipation of a unique experience is about to be realised.

Colour: Rich medium amber/harvest gold.

Nose: No hanging around, it erupts from the glass in an olfactory fusion of black boot polish, pure peat smoke, spicy black peppercorns, treacle toffee, dark succulent dates, crushed sea shells, ozone, menthol – it’s a vortex of aromas. On the second wave, I find Christmas pudding, burnt orange and cinnamon sticks all contained within this cocoon of phenol. Absolute interfusion of Islay character. It’s a life support system – Brilliant!

Palate: No respite, this is the quick and the dead. Now you can taste the rich, sweet flavours from the Spanish casks, the crème brulée from the bourbon, the biscuity, shortbread flavours of the barley, and always, that magical zesty, lemon peel flavour that is so unique to Bruichladdich spirit. Those flavours give the spirit complexity and balance so that you are not suffocated in a peat bog; your senses are alive and awake. PC9 is still young and gaining in sophistication, it gives you that heart-warming feeling that comes from passion distilled with pride. Well done my son, we are proud of your progress.

Finish: The finish is as glorious as an Islay sunset and it’s here on the ending that you experience some of the most pleasurable moments you will ever experience in the company of an Islay malt.

Mood: Bracing walk, sea spray splattered.