Port Charlotte SYC: 01 2013

Profile: The Port Charlotte SYC: 01 2013 at a glance

• Cask Exploration Series: matured for the first time in First- Fill Syrah wine barrels
• Heavily Peated SYC: 01: Bottled with a phenol content of 40ppm
• Distilled with Scottish barley: Bottled with a strong 54.4% ABV.
• 2013 Vintage: Created by Head Distiller Adam Hannett

Portrait: What makes the Port Charlotte SYC: 01 2013 special.

For the first time in the Cask Exploration series, the Port Charlotte SYC: 01 was matured mainly in Syrah barrels. The French producer shares Bruichladdich's philosophy and passion for terroir and specializes in producing organic and biodynamic wines, where the soil and climate significantly shape the process. Thanks to minimal intervention, the different regions and soils can develop their true character and so the wines - similar to Bruichladdich's Islay single malt whiskeys - are a truly authentic expression of their terroir.The Syrah, a red wine known for its strong and full body, has given the SYC:01 rich notes of red fruits and layers of spice that complement the characteristic aromatic peat smoke of Port Charlotte.

Within the Port Charlotte Cask Exploration Series, this heavily peated whisky was matured in Syrah barrels for the first time and has reached a new level. The heady influence of the wine harmonizes perfectly with the elegant peat smoke of the single malt whiskey and brings with it juicy berries, sweet strawberries and a hint of warm citrus fruits.

Tasting Notes: This is what Port Charlotte SYC: 01 2013 tastes like

• Nose: the nose immediately reveals the sweetness of caramel, followed by a mix of fresh fruits and a subtle hint of peat smoke - the foreground is notes of strawberries, red apples, apricot jam and mixed Berries from the Syrah barrels, underpinned by a combination of oak and long-lasting smoke - gentle spices from the oak along with ginger, marzipan and honey complement the fruity character, which is further enhanced by the fire-smoked oak

• Palate: toasted oak and elegant BBQ smoke envelop the palate, beautifully balanced with sweet fruit, vibrant notes of candied peel, fresh mango, brown sugar and sweet bubble gum add lightness and complexity, that cut through the smoke - with a little water, aromatic oak emerges, while lavender and herbal notes combine with gentle honey, ground ginger and roasted coffee beans
• Finish: while the sweetness of fruit and oak is retained, a gentle wave of peat smoke is unmistakable on the finish, roasted Brazil nuts, coconut and cocoa powder give a delicate creaminess, while a hint of dried seaweed remains