In Depth: Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Review | The whiskey rack (2023)

old weller 107 overview

FYI I bought and used these Glencairn glasses from Amazon for my reviews and comparisons (because they are the best):Glencairn Whiskey glass aus Crystal glass, 6er-Set, clear, 6er-Pack.Full transparency, this is an affiliate link so I may get a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.

old weller 107 smell

When it comes to peaty whisky, I mostly drink Laphroaig Peat Monster (10 years durabilityeTriple wooden friendshipto be exact), so Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Old is a drastic change. Instead it's a smoother smoke with some mesquite, dried mushrooms and charcoal with proportionally lighter honey, flowers, vanilla and grapefruit.

Although it's a lot more floral than Laphroaig, there's still something dark underneath that's hard to pinpoint, maybe it's the wine's influence. The nose is generally round with lots of character and little heat; and unlike those barrel-strong Laphroaigs (55-59% ABV range), this Bruichladdich isn't big, but is more subtle and delicate.

The swirl brings a bit more alcohol but this time also a bright sweet floral nose with less wood smoke and mushrooms while my nose settles in the peat giving a smooth smoke, grill and mushroom feel. There are light honey, vanilla, ripe peach, green apple, citrus juice and floral bouquet.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Year Old really reminds me of a smoky oak aged white wine but slightly darker with hints of dark fruit so maybe an extra aged fino sherry. It's really not that muddy, but then again, maybe I'm a little insensitive because I'm a peathead.

I think I've gotten so used to being pounded by Laphroaig that I sometimes forget that peat can be soft, honey can be soft and fruity notes shine through.

Weller Antique 107 taste and aftertaste

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years Old has initially slightly grey, smoky aromas of honey, vanilla, citrus and lightly toasted wood, balanced between peat and sweetness in equal measure. Seriously, the peat doesn't take over at any moment: it's a lot of supporting actor/actress. The mouthfeel is also fairly slimy and pleasant (probably because it's not filtered through the cold) and without a ton of heat.

Chewing still offers slightly smoky and very sweet flavors of honey, pear, apple, vanilla, some oak, charcoal and dried mushrooms, just a bit of fresh green from the peat. Unlike Laphroaig, peat isn't very vegetal or oceanic, but rather earthy and barbeque (delicious).

Even without all the weight behind it, the Port Charlotte 10 is still round and spicy, and I particularly like the fruitiness. It's lighter, livelier, and spicier, and less dark and smoky. I really like.

The finish is followed by a light smokiness with honey, grapefruit, flower and peach. Slightly mushroomy mushrooms appear after 15 seconds, making for a grilled, floral finish. When "chewing" the sweet barbecue sauce is omitted

Put it on the whiskey shelf

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years Old is a fantastic whiskey that I've enjoyed drinking but it still leaves me a bit ambivalent. On the one hand, it's a beautifully sweet, fruity, floral and delicate whiskey that uses peat as a supplemental resource rather than the beefy star of the show.

On the other hand, I miss that certain something a bit, because I tend to drink too big, strong whiskeys (eg.

Still, the Port Charlotte 10 Year is objectively (in my subjective opinion) an excellent whiskey that delicately balances the smoke and mostly aging ex-bourbon like an Olympic gymnast landing. To me it's without a doubt “Top Shelf” Scotch, but I'll admit it's not quite to my liking.

I believe this Port Charlotte 10 Year Old has just the right blend of bourbon and peated whiskey that can turn people into peaty whiskey. If not, then there is no hope for them. Bruichladdich reads something after the fact and mentions that their whiskeys are very floral and I can personally attest to that.

To be clear, if you're looking for a peat bomb, this isn't for you. If you are looking for a smooth peat and a great Scottish experience that gently guides you through all the amazing aromas and flavors then the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10 Years Scotch is for you.

Not that $65-75 is affordable, but that's the cost of entry for great whiskey in the US these days.

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