There is a lot to like about Whisky Review: Port Charlotte PMC:01 on paper — s have their own recipes to achieve a desired peatiness has been doing interesting work. At 54.5% ABV); $149 and $149.99, let us see if it lives up to expectations.
Nose
s (and flavors) and find the sensation overwhelming, potentially even painful. Regardless of your personal preference, smoky Scotch whiskies are here to stay. The smoke in Scotch is part of a long tradition of using materials available in Scotland to make Scotch. Historically, Scotland had relatively few trees to dry barley with but there was a ton of peat. So, Scotch makers use peat moss to dry barley grain with smoke, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor. Given that it takes approximately 30 hours to dry barley, distillers have their own recipes to achieve a desired peatiness. Most Scotches that use peat are from the islands of Scotland, most prominently the Isle of Islay (pronounced eye-la), and include brands like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Caol Ila, and Bowmore, among others. Bruichladdich distillery is another well known Islay distillery and has three labels: Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and Octomore. The Port Charlotte label is named after a Islay distillery which existed 1829-1929, but is related in name only. The Bruchladdich line itself is unpeated, but dont worry peat fans, the Port Charlotte is heavily peated and their Octomore is super-heavily peated, with the most intense being the Octomore 08.3 release, clocking in at 309 phenol parts per million (PPM). Phenols, generally, are the compounds that make whiskies smoky (yes, its more complicated, but I dont have enough space to discuss the nuances) and usually the higher the PPM, the higher the smoke. As a point comparison to the Octomore, most strongly peated scotches have 40-60 PPM. The Port Charlotte PMC:01 is the latest of the Port Charlotte Cask Exploration series, which is in essence their experimental line. This release was aged in Pomerol casks, which is a French wine in Bordeaux. The company is not specific on the grape type, because this expression is about the location of the components, or terroir, as it brings together two unique locales. This is a whisky which links flavour to land. A whiskey which speaks of a complex lineage. A whisky that is proud of where its from. This expression has been aged for four years in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and then undergone an additional aging in the Pomerol casks for five years. The Port Charlotte is peated, as previously discussed, with this particular expression being 40ppm, putting it solidly in the heavily peated category. It is made from Scottish Concerto barley, which is the most ubiquitous variety, contributing to 80% of maltings in Scotland and 33% for brewing in England. We review Port Charlotte PMC-01, a heavily peated Scotch single malt aged for nine years, first in first fill bourbon barrels and then in Pomerol casks. (image via Bruichladdich) Tasting Notes: Port Charlotte PMC:01 Vital Stats: Aged 9 years, in first fill Bourbon barrels the first four years and aged in Pomerol casks for the remaining 5; 109 Proof (54.5% ABV); $149.99. Appearance: Clear peach. Nose: Frying bacon and damp tree-moss, hint of marine iodine, dark oak and walnuts.
Palate
For those who live and die by their peat, this is a purists delight. Thick and viscous, it envelopes the palate like a smoker slow-cooking steak. However, the thickness comes at a cost, and that is the almost indiscernible notes of the Pomerol cask, which I may be juuuust tasting … or just telling myself I taste it. This is a great peat monster, but not so special as to distinguish it from the crowd.
Finish
Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by Whiskeyful or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.
The Bottom Line
Whisky Review: Port Charlotte PMC:01 is a perfectly respectable whiskey that does what it sets out to do. At $149.99, the value is reasonable — it will not blow your mind, but it will not disappoint you either. A reliable choice.
