Nose: Fireplace ash, a whiff of sea-spray, sage, mint and a complex melange of lemon aromas not derived from lemon (think lemon verbena, lemon balm and lemongrass). Subtle, light, sprightly and crisp. The peat-smoke character intensifies as it sits and opens. A dash of water releases barley-sugar, earthy notes, sweetness and a definite hint of ex-wine cask that rounds-off the citrus aromas. Palate: Sharp, angular and assertive when neat but not hot or aggressive. Brine and smoked lemon. Lemon pepper. Water considerably softens the profile with tar, ashy smoke and sweet cereal moving forward to balance the salty-lemon flavours. The texture is oily but dry and exquisitely balanced. With time the diluted palate evolves ever greater complexity. Finish: Long. Preserved salted lemons, ash, multi-faceted brush-fire smoke. Lovely stuff. I can sit with a glass of this all night, enjoying the story as it progresses. There is a special quality to this distillate-driven whisky that sets it slightly apart from the peat-smoked expressions from the south-east coast Islay distilleries. Something about Bruichladdich smoke is particularly fresh and delicate whilst simultaneously having an intense purity of profile. They buy their peated malt from Port Ellen, as do almost all the other Islay distilleries, so the individuality is arising elsewhere. It would be from a combination of factors, of course, but I’m sure the complex and highly nuanced wine-cask element in their maturation regime plays a major role. This tasting is from a 2019 batch but the consistently high quality of this whisky is remarkable and any Port Charlotte 10 year old can be taken as typical of the expression. Personally I think the 2016 Port Charlotte 10 year 2nd Limited Edition is yet to be equaled, but this is not far behind and for a core-range product that’s most impressive. Highly recommended. At the price this is a bargain and it should be on every enthusiast’s “to do” list. For enthusiasts of peated whiskies in particular it is a compulsory rite of passage. “Excellent” : 89/100 (4.75 stars)