The choice of cask during whisky maturation can be revelatory.
Consider this new release from Islay-based Bruichladdich. Renowned for its heavily peated single malts, the distillery hopes to tempt whisky fans eager to sample something different with the latest edition to its Cask Exploration series: SYC:01, the first time its Port Charlotte spirit has matured in Syrah Shiraz casks.
The expression balances the robust character of Islay malt with the rich red fruit and delicate spice imparted by the wine cask.
Bottled at 54.4% ABV and malted to 40 PPM, SYC:01 is the seventh release in Port Charlotte’s Cask Exploration series, following the likes of MRC:01 (Pauillac cask), MC:01 (Marsala cask), and OLC:01 (Oloroso cask). Each release delves into the interplay between spirit and cask, showcasing the versatility and depth of Port Charlotte’s heavily peated single malt.
The Syrah casks were sourced from a Rhône winery in France, renowned for its full-bodied red wines; a specialist in organic and biodynamic wines.
“The immense influence of the Syrah casks is clear to see,” says Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich Distillery’s Head Distiller. “Our versatile Port Charlotte spirit has worked amazingly well with the rich fruits and spice from the cask. The result is a multidimensional single malt whisky and something new and unique for Port Charlotte.”
The Syrah casks were sourced from a Rhône winery in France, renowned for its full-bodied red wines…
Crafted from 2013 Port Charlotte spirit, SYC:01’s maturation process is a study in complexity and precision. Initially filled into a combination of first-fill (75 per cent) and second-fill (25 per cent) bourbon barrels, the Islay whisky was re-casked into first-fill Syrah wine casks in 2018. After four years, with the wine influence at its peak, the spirit was then re-casked into refill bourbon barrels to allow the flavours to marry.
“Port Charlotte is a single malt whisky about place,” Hannett explains. “To marry this Islay spirit with wine casks borne of a similar commitment to land and region elevates both the flavor and drinking experience.”
Tasting notes: Heavy peat meets rich, red fruit
On the nose, Port Charlotte SYC:01 marries rich caramel sweetness with aromatic smoke, complemented by dark fruits and gentle Syrah spices. On the palate, tasting notes speak of barbeque peat smoke and smoked oak, sweetened by candied peel, fresh mango, and brown sugar.
The finish is said to resemble a lingering wave of smoke and Islay sea air, softened by hints of coconut and cocoa powder.
Port Charlotte SYC:01 is available now from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £111.
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The Luxe Review 
The choice of cask during whisky maturation can be revelatory.
Consider this new release from Islay-based Bruichladdich. Renowned for its heavily peated single malts, the distillery hopes to tempt whisky fans eager to sample something different with the latest edition to its Cask Exploration series: SYC:01, the first time its Port Charlotte spirit has matured in Syrah Shiraz casks.
The expression balances the robust character of Islay malt with the rich red fruit and delicate spice imparted by the wine cask.
Bottled at 54.4% ABV and malted to 40 PPM, SYC:01 is the seventh release in Port Charlotte’s Cask Exploration series, following the likes of MRC:01 (Pauillac cask), MC:01 (Marsala cask), and OLC:01 (Oloroso cask). Each release delves into the interplay between spirit and cask, showcasing the versatility and depth of Port Charlotte’s heavily peated single malt.
The Syrah casks were sourced from a Rhône winery in France, renowned for its full-bodied red wines; a specialist in organic and biodynamic wines.
“The immense influence of the Syrah casks is clear to see,” says Adam Hannett, Bruichladdich Distillery’s Head Distiller. “Our versatile Port Charlotte spirit has worked amazingly well with the rich fruits and spice from the cask. The result is a multidimensional single malt whisky and something new and unique for Port Charlotte.”
Crafted from 2013 Port Charlotte spirit, SYC:01’s maturation process is a study in complexity and precision. Initially filled into a combination of first-fill (75 per cent) and second-fill (25 per cent) bourbon barrels, the Islay whisky was re-casked into first-fill Syrah wine casks in 2018. After four years, with the wine influence at its peak, the spirit was then re-casked into refill bourbon barrels to allow the flavours to marry.
“Port Charlotte is a single malt whisky about place,” Hannett explains. “To marry this Islay spirit with wine casks borne of a similar commitment to land and region elevates both the flavor and drinking experience.”
Tasting notes: Heavy peat meets rich, red fruit
On the nose, Port Charlotte SYC:01 marries rich caramel sweetness with aromatic smoke, complemented by dark fruits and gentle Syrah spices. On the palate, tasting notes speak of barbeque peat smoke and smoked oak, sweetened by candied peel, fresh mango, and brown sugar.
The finish is said to resemble a lingering wave of smoke and Islay sea air, softened by hints of coconut and cocoa powder.
Port Charlotte SYC:01 is available now from The Whisky Exchange, priced at £111.
Mexican spirits culture celebrated as Tequila & Mezcal Show returns to London
Smoky Mezcals, regional Raicillas and crisp Tequilas return to London’s South Bank for the second annual Tequila & Mezcal Show. Last year, more than 600 agave enthusiasts brought the buzz, and this year promises to be even more exciting, with over 250 spirits from across Mexico gracing Glazier’s Hall. Running for two sessions on Friday…
Kingsbarns Distillery launches limited edition single malt inspired by St Andrews 19th hole
A long-standing St Andrews golfing ritual has found a new expression, as Kingsbarns Distillery launches a limited-edition single cask whisky inspired by the famed ‘19th hole’. Developed by Wemyss Family Spirits, the family-owned business behind the distillery, The Dunvegan forms the second instalment in a golf-inspired series, and follows last year’s Caddies’ Dream release. Limited…
Hackstons acquires rare collection of Unicorn whiskies from Van Winkle, Weller and Buffalo Trace
Drinks retailer Hackstons has acquired a collection of exceptionally rare American whiskies, bringing together some of the most elusive bourbons and rye whiskeys currently circulating within the global secondary spirits market. The Knightsbridge-based specialist described the acquisition as a “once in a lifetime” grouping of so-called unicorn bottles, with the line-up featuring highly allocated expressions…
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