Port Charlotte 18 Year Old 2025 Edition is the latest, ultra-high provenance offering from the heavily-peated single malt whisky.Taking its name from the eponymous village two miles south of Bruichladdich Distillery, Port Charlotte single malt whisky was first distilled on the island in 2001. Since its inception over two decades ago, the brand has cemented itself as the ‘alternative’ Islay peated single malt Scotch, renowned for its distinct flavour profile and unwavering commitment to its Hebridean home.
Produced using 100% Scottish barley, every drop of Port Charlotte single malt whisky has been distilled, matured and bottled exclusively on Islay. Safeguarded by the local community and profoundly shaped by its unique locale, the casks for the latest 18 Year Old expression have never once left the island.
“Port Charlotte speaks of its island home,” says Head Distiller, Adam Hannett. “This is a spirit which is rooted in authenticity, provenance and community. For me, it’s everything an Islay Scotch whisky should be.
“The latest 2025 Edition showcases how multifaceted and unique Port Charlotte is when it comes to flavour. With a primarily bourbon cask influence, a distinct salinity from its island maturation, and bottled at 18 Years Old – a real sweet spot for the heavily peated spirit – the latest expression is refined yet exceptionally elegant. There’s real depth and complexity with every sip.”
Showcasing the versatile nature of Port Charlotte, the spirit has been matured in a specific combination of rare first fill bourbon casks (53%) and second fill sherry casks (31%). A further, small parcel of Port Charlotte spirit (16%) was also filled into sherry casks for 11 years, before being recasked into Virgin French Oak for around five years. This spirit was then recasked into second fill bourbon barrels, before all components were finally married for bottling.
“Bourbon forward maturation is in keeping with our Bruichladdich Distillery house-style,” continues Adam Hannett. “It gives our single malt whiskies a light, vibrant and elegant character, which works exceptionally well with Port Charlotte’s distinct, smoky flavour.
“When it comes to the 2025 Edition, the 18 Year Old single malt whisky has distinct notes of vanilla, salted caramel and hazelnut from the toasted ex-American oak. These rounded, sweet flavours work beautifully with the spirit’s signature peat smoke and cut through the savoury, barbecue character, taking Port Charlotte in a new direction.”
Dried fruits are immediate on the nose, with the aroma of figs, sultanas and raisins mingling with earthy peat smoke. Dark brown sugar, fresh vanilla and smooth heather honey coat the palate, with apricot jam and juicy red fruits balancing Port Charlotte’s unmistakable smoky, barbecue flavour. Rich crème brûlée and toasted hazelnut add to the luxuriously smooth and rounded finish, with a subtle mineral note a gentle reminder of the whisky’s all-Islay maturation.
Malted to 40 PPM and bottled at 51.5% AVB, the latest Port Charlotte 18 Year Old is a limited release.
Priced at £175.00 Port Charlotte 18 Year Old is available to purchase now at bruichladdich.com and from select specialist retailers.
