This 2010 bottling represents one of the last milestones that brought, in 2012, to the release of the first piece of the Port Charlotte core range, the 10yo, since this peated version of Bruichladdich was distilled for the first time in 2001. An Turas Mor it’s a multivintage and it’s the first bottling with reduced abv since the beginning of the series. The “great travel” (this is the Gaelic meaning of “an turas mor”) is almost over. And we’re happy to be spectators of this path.
N: clearly marine, salty and mineral (salt, wet rocks, brine). A burn peat, not too aggressive, but quite persistent, doesn’t let go. There are also some very generous citrusy notes (lemon juice). Afterwards the influence of the ex-bourbon casks grows with a nice creamy vanilla presence. Lot of marzipan. Also a shy sugary fruity side (pear) and perhaps a note of… talc. It’s a young distillate and it’s clear from the very vegetal, hay and cereal flavors.
P: here the situation changes: immediately licorice, with a fruity indistinct hint (apple?). Afterwards coconut and a lot of almond paste. Interesting how the creamy side (vanilla and honey) mixes with a certain minerality, avoiding an oversweet palate. The sweetness typical of bourbon is mitigated (still present with various patisserie notes) by a nice smoke and an interesting lemon note. The marine we found on the nose shows up again (salty feeling) even if at lower volume.
F: nicely smoky and vegetal, with a bit of toffee, butter and sugar to close.
Nice invention this first bottling with reduced abv, but was to be expected after tasting the great PC6. Simple but not trivial. Not excessive and very well balanced. This suggests us how the lower part of the Port Charlotte core range will become a product of excellence on Islay (this was 40 euro, very honest price). A nice 87/100 well deserved!
Recommended soundtrack: Steppenwolf – Born to be wild
