Port Charlotte launches PMC:01
The latest release in the Cask Exploration series revisits the red wine region of Bordeaux
Port Charlotte has launched Port Charlotte PMC:01, the latest release in its coveted Cask Exploration series. Showcasing the complexity and versatility of the heavily peated Islay single malt, Port Charlotte PMC:01 demonstrates the profound influence that cask type can have on the spirit.
The sixth release in the Cask Exploration series, Port Charlotte PMC:01 is the first time that the single malt has been matured in Pomerol casks. A small region in Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Pomerol is home to some of the finest and most sought-after red wines in the world, distinguished by their deep colour and rich, ripe-plumb flavours.
The wine from Pomerol proudly speaks of its place of origin, harnessing the terroir of the region. With its warm climate, the appellation is distinguished by its famous blue clay, gravel and sand which impart flavour into the vines.
Much like Pomerol, Port Charlotte single malt proudly speaks of its place of origin, with the whisky conceived, distilled, matured and bottled solely on Islay. Port Charlotte PMC:01 is significantly influenced by the fruit laden oak of the Pomerol casks, as well as the salty maritime note of its all Islay maturation. The single malt brings together these two drastically different regions in the latest release, showcasing the intricate balance of oak, fruit and gentle peat smoke.
Bruichladdich Distillery Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, said: “We believe in creating whiskies that speak of where they are from. When our distillery was resurrected in 2001, our founders were in disbelief about the stark disconnect between our raw ingredient and the industry’s lack of consideration to where it was grown, who grew it and how. But we’ve changed that.
“Terroir is imperative to the flavour of our single malts, and Port Charlotte PMC:01 is a great example of a whisky which truly links flavour to land. The result is a rich and robust single malt which brings together two very distinct locales; balancing the succulent fruit notes of the Pomerol casks with Islay’s mellow marine quality and signature peat smoke.”
Bottled at 54.5% ABV and peated to 40 PPM, the 2013 Port Charlotte spirit was initially filled into first fill bourbon casks for four years, before being recasked into Pomerol casks for the final five years of its maturation journey.
Significantly influenced by the oak, the Pomerol casks impart full-bodied fruit notes of blackberry and plum, along with a hint of earthy aged leather. These sumptuous red fruits open on the nose, with malt sugar and peat smoke complementing the viscosity of the liquid on the palate. Gentle waves of maritime salt add to the finish and speak of the spirit’s all Islay maturation, while Port Charlotte’s signature peat smoke lingers.
Port Charlotte PMC:01 is the sixth release in the Port Charlotte Cask Exploration series. Previous releases include: Port Charlotte MRC:01 (Pauillac cask maturation), MC:01 (Marsala cask maturation), OLC:01 (Oloroso cask maturation), PAC:01 (Pauillac cask maturation) and SC:01 (Sauternes cask maturation).
Port Charlotte PMC:01 is available to purchase now via bruichladdich.com or at selected specialist whisky retailers. Prices start from £110.00.
About Bruichladdich Distillery
Bruichladdich Distillery is situated on the southwestern tip of the Hebridean island of Islay.
Bruichladdich Distillery crafts four different spirits:
Bruichladdich, unpeated Islay single malt Scotch whisky
Port Charlotte, heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky (40PPM)
Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated Scotch whisky series (80+PPM)
The Botanist Gin, the first Islay dry gin
The distillery was first established in 1881 by the Harvey brothers. It survived through periods of closure including world wars and economic uncertainly, only to be closed for 7 years in 1994. The closure left all but two redundant.
The distillery was reopened by Mark Reynier, Simon Coughlin and Jim McEwan in 2001. The team have breathed new life into the community by keeping as much of their operations on Islay as possible. They installed a bottling hall in 2003, first grew Islay barley in 2004 (now 45% of annual production in 2020) and have since added additional warehousing to ensure all single malts are conceived, distilled, matured and bottled on the island. They are one of only two distilleries on the island (9 total) to make those claims.
The independently owned Bruichladdich was purchased by luxury spirits company Remy Cointreau in 2012. They continue to invest in the values of the business, in being Islay-based, and in the local community.
In 2020, Bruichladdich became one of the only distilleries in the world to be B Corp certified. They are the first gin and whisky distillery in Europe, and one of three globally, to be recognised for balancing profit and purpose.
Provided by Bruichladdich Distillery
