This permanent collection Port Charlotte is non-chill filtered, and aged 65% in first fill American whiskey casks, 10% second fill American whiskey casks, and 25% in second fill French wine casks. Despite the claims of heavy peat (and 40ppm phenols), mild on the nose, with just hints of smoke, fruit, and grain. The palate is quite fruit-forward and very floral, the peat taking a secondary note — and more of a pure smoke character, without much of a seaweed/iodine note. Notes of orange peel and raspberry emerge over time. The finish is quite pleasant and creamy, very chewy thanks to the higher abv. A real standout of Islay whisky making.
