Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (2025) & Dani’s Cask Bruichladdich 16yo

Port Charlotte 18 Year Old (2025)

Region: Islay

ABV: 51.5%

Price: £175.00

Distilled entirely in 2005, this 18-year-old Port Charlotte is a vatting of several cask types: 53% first-fill bourbon, 31% second-fill sherry, and 16% from a parcel matured in sherry casks for 11 years before being re-racked into virgin French oak for a further 5 years. All components were then filled into second fill bourbon barrels before final marrying and bottling. A total of 8,000 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose is suitably costal: sea spray, wet pebbles, seaweed, and a little toffee and limoncello. There’s also fudge, lime juice, agave, and a strong whiff of cashew nuts, prune juice, tobacco, ash, and hint of melted butter appearing as the dram sits in the glass. It’s very easy to nose despite the ABV, and it feels like a dram that will evolve with time in the glass revealing more layers. It’s also got that unmistakable Laddie DNA.

Palate

Mouthfeel is slightly greasy, but in a good way. Ash and burnt newspaper dominate the opening, followed by lemon sherbet, grapefruit, and a a little, honeyed sweetness in the background. There’s a hint of bitterness: tangerine peel or satsumas appearing on the mid palate. The medium length finish has lingering ash, black pepper spice, and plenty of citrus, and candied pecans. We’d have guessed a slightly higher ABV due to the spice.

Nose (with water)

Reduction brings out a more synthetic edge to the sweetness with more fudge, and we’re finding that cashew note fades into the background. The peat is now less intense, but overall the nose hasn’t drastically changed with dilution.

Palate (with water)

On the palate, lime and ash become the dominant notes, supported by floral notes, of musk and lavender in particular. The finish is a bit spicier but not overwhelming so, and the that citrus pops on the mid palate. The smoke has faded into the background. Most of the other undiluted notes remain, but have just dimmed a little in intensity. The mouthfeel remains good.

Conclusion

Another great example of the spirit’s versatility. While it shines when young, the extra age here has added some welcome complexity. Credit is also most likely due to Adam for selecting the cask mix. We’ll admit, we’re always a bit wary when a dram involves this many different cask types, but in this case, it works well. Bonus, it’s a dram that holds up well with or without water.

Score: 8/10

Value

Still on the pricier side at £175, but at least the price has stayed consistent with previous releases. Not cheap, but within the expected range for a well aged cask strength official Islay bottling.

Dani’s Cask Bruichladdich 16yo  

Region: Islay

ABV: 50.0%

Price: £98.00

Dani’s Cask is the third instalment in a series of bottlings honouring the three daughters of Alison and Adrian Murray, owners of The Wee Dram shop. Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2024, this Bruichladdich was matured in a 250 litre Rivesaltes hogshead. A total of 305 bottles were released, sold exclusively through The Wee Dram.

Nose

Starts off with a wave of sweet and toasty notes—Coco Pops, cornbread, and a light char. Red fruits make their way in with air: grapes, cranberries, and a creamy strawberry fromage frais note in the background. Fudge and a soft chocolatey note round things out. Very easy to nose at 50% with virtually no alcohol prickle. It’s a little one dimensional, but what’s there is pleasant and has us wanting to leave our nose in the glass.

Palate

The palate echoes the nose with cereal and cornbread, followed by chocolate and a black forest gateau note. A light burnt note appears mid palate, alongside honey and a slight chilli jam spice appears on the finish. There’s a syrupy texture that gives this a good mouthfeel. The medium finish has a slight bitterness, and red fruit sweetness, alongside that chilli jam.

Nose (with water)

With a splash of water, we’re getting more bakery notes, empire biscuits, shortbread, and some red berries. That fudge remains, but the burnt note fades. Still quite cereal driven, now joined by a hint of tawny port. There’s not much classic Laddie DNA showing, and the nose still feels a bit one dimensional, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless.

Palate (with water)

The mouthfeel thins slightly with water, but the spice on the finish becomes more pronounced and lasts longer. The honey has faded a bit, while the cereal notes persist. A subtle coastal note starts to emerge, bringing just a hint of Bruichladdich’s spirit. The finish remains medium in length.

Conclusion

A wine cask maturation that’s been done well. There are some lovely flavours here, even if the distillery’s spirit character is mostly hidden. Solid and enjoyable, especially for those who like their drams on the dessert-y side.

Score: 7.5/10

Value

Indie Bruichladdich releases tend to come at a premium, and while this isn’t a budget dram, £98 for a well aged, single cask wine matured release is reasonable in the current market. Well priced compared to the competition.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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