Bruichladdich unveils new Port Charlotte whisky

Islay distillery Bruichladdich has unveiled its latest Scotch whisky release, Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010, which will replace Port Charlotte MRC:01 2010.

Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010 was distilled in 2010 from a 2009 crop of Scottish barley. The distillate was first filled into ex-Bourbon, ex-Syrah and ex-VDN (vin doux naturel) casks. The liquid was then transferred into Fernando de Castilla’s oloroso hogsheads in 2018. The whisky is said to be dry with earthy peat and roasted coffee, lime and figs. This leads to flavours of chocolate and vanilla, finishing with a hint of smoke. Bottled at 55.1% ABV, Port Charlotte OLC: 01 2010 will be priced at RRP £90 (US$110), similar to the Port Charlotte MRC:01 2010. Adam Hannett, head distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery, said: “These oloroso hogsheads are superb casks. They’re smaller than your average butts, so they’ve quickly left a lasting impression on this complex single malt.” Bruichladdich was due to welcome hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors to its distillery on 24 May as part of the annual Fèis Ìle festival celebrations. However, the show had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, the distillery will be heading online to offer digital events for whisky fans to take part in. From 2pm to 6pm on 24 May, fans can look ‘Through the Bunghole’ with Hannett and enjoy musical performances through Bruichladdich’s ‘Sofa Sessions’. Bruichladdich Distillery has also launched an online-exclusive bottling in the run up to the digital festival, Port Charlotte 16, which was limited to 3,000 bottles and sold through an online ballot system.