Review by: Raygun

Bruichladdich reopened in 2001, but only began to release an OB 18 in 2023. Port Charlotte is the conventionally peated label (~40ppm) as opposed to the ultra-peated Octomore that reaches over 200ppm (there’s also Lochindaal and Rhinns, but let’s not confuse things too much). Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 20 minutes.

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Distillery: Bruichladdich

Bottler: Bruichladdich  

Region/style: Islay single malt Scotch 

ABV: 54.3%. Cask strength.

Age: 18 years. Bottled in 2023.  

Cask type: 74% refill sherry, 26% refill French oak wine, 6000 bottles

Color: 1.5 auburn. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Craigellachie sometimes appears slightly peaty to me, and this is one of those. A grimy edge to it like Nose: The peat is clear, but it’s somewhat mellowed out with age. Brings some seaweed and swimming pool. Prunes, cherries, dark chocolate, all with a smoky edge and wrapped in oak.                     

Palate: That’s very nice. Smoldering seaweed kind of peat, some wet rocks, prunes, chocolate, and a bit of ancho chile. Someone’s left some herbs to char on a fire. Hoisin sauce. Sweet, smoky, and spicy. Takes on a barbecue aspect. 

Finish: Gets more campfire-like. Smoky dark chocolate, prune paste, hoisin sauce, and there’s the herbal touch. Some pulled pork meatiness. Pleasantly smoky without that being the only flavor. 

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Conclusion: I usually prefer Port Charlotte to unpeated Bruichladdich, and this is a winner. The cask influence complements the distillate well. Bruichladdich isn’t the most consistent distillery, but the highs are very high. I might have poured it a little early; feels like a dram to enjoy in front of a fire on a crisp fall day. Or at the end of August works, too. It’s good stuff.

Score: 87

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)