A bit late to comments but the wine casks used are Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which according to the vineyard uses Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%) grapes. SOURCE: I saw them being used in the warehouse when I visited the Bruichladdich distillery last October. I think all their wine casks come from there.
I'm from Trinidad (the Caribbean). The typical Whisky of choice is Johnnie Walker here. Whisky of this caliber is generally expensive TT$600/bottle (US$90/bottle) minimum. Took the plunge last year and bought this bottle. Absolutely love it!
Just picked up a bottle yesterday. Wow! The smoothness despite the generous ABV was a revelation. The first two sips I took neat, then added just under 5ml of water--and it blossomed! Great review and wholeheartedly agree with your comments and rating. Thanks!
Great review as always Geoff, I really like this dram. As far as I know though the peat comes from mainland and it really gives off those earthy, tea, herbal notes instead of the iodine and medicinal note. It's such good dram and a really good contrast to your classic Islays. Cheers!
Thanks! Yeah it's definitely got its own character. One of my current Islay favourites. I'll have to look for those tea notes on my next go with it. Cheers!
Yes! This is one of my absolute top recommendations. Bearing in mind the ABV and age statement it's also very good value at UK prices in my opinion. The only issue I had with my last bottle was very loose cork which was annoying as the neck of the bottle is so wide that I couldn't find an alternative cork to fit!
Great review! I rave about this one any chance I get. Super rich, complex, and delicious for the money. Also love that Bruichladdich’s standard is 50% ABV! More distilleries should take notice and copy.
Yeah such a cool move giving us 50%. They're trying to be a “premium” Islay brand, but at least they're backing it up with craft presentation and some serious abv!
This whisky wasn’t on my radar, yet here I sit 24hours after your review, with a dram in hand… that’s how much faith I put in your reviews. I had tried “classic laddie” a few years back, and felt underwhelmed. Probably would never have gone back to the brand again, had it not been for your recommendation. I can say, that sometimes blind faith does pay off. Wonderful, wonderful stuff. I did question, “do I not already have enough of the peaty ones on the shelf already”? Hell no! This one is a keeper. Thanks for the recommendation.
It's great, isn't it? These kinds of comments are my favourite btw. Of course my opinions are my own and not everyone will agree, but I always feel a bit of guilt when ppl don't really like something that I've recommended. Oppositely, when people reach out to thank me for a solid recommendation, that's a pretty damn good feeling! Glad you enjoy it, Howard. Cheers!
Great review Geoff, interesting and informative. I'm a big fan of Bruichladdich, especially the heavily peated Port Charlotte, not only the 10 year old, but also the Cask Exploration Series. They are innovative and their first priority is the quality of the whisky.
just re-watching this while i finish off my bottle of PC 10. it really is a special dram - and your observations were really quite insightful Geoff. i have kind of fallen in love with peat recently, and the laphroaig 10 CS (b15) literally blew my mind...... but i have never tried some staples like Laga 16 -so think i will replace the Pc10 with the Laga..... something tells me i will be returning to the PC at some point.... so interesting..... again - really great review....
My bottle arrived this week, had a couple drams yesterday for the first time. Simply stunning! I was seriously blown away. I had tasted the Laphroaig Portwood a few weeks ago... and yes, I know there's no port in this... and it's probably not as similar... but it really reminded me of it. I could nose this for days. Excellent stuff. IMHO this is absolutely better than Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ledaig 10. I need to try others of their line up now!
They're a bit pricey, but the Cask Exploration line is some of the finest peated whiskies on the market today imo. Glad you're enjoying the 10. It's a classic! 🥃
@@Gwhisky that’s the thing, they’re all pricey here in Brazil (Ardbeg 10 is more expensive btw). So I only pick bottles in private groups when a really good deal (for our market) pops up. Thanks!
I was really excited to see a review about this one on your channel. Bought it recently and haven’t been able to open it up yet but I might just have to this weekend.
Nice review Geoff and glad to see you like it too. My favourite entry-level peated Islay right now; I get the maple-bacon notes too and love them! I also get a bit of a farmy note, or possibly smoked/ripe French cheese (reminds me of a proper French/Swiss Savoyard fondue with Reblochon cheese). Really stands out from the rest of the peated Islay crowd and given the craft presentation and 50% ABV, it represents good value in UK (if you shop around you can get it under 45 GBP). I agree that the more famous Islay distilleries' entry expressions are not what they were and I also have a couple of Kilchoman bottles in the stash lined up to try soon (Machir Bay and Sanaig) so I'll be interested to see how the most 'craft' of Islay whiskies compares to this. Keep up the good work and I'd be interested to see your thoughts on Talisker 10 if you get a chance? One of my favourite entry-level whiskies. Also, have you thought about doing any malternatives, like a good Bajan (e.g. Foursquare) or Jamaican (Appleton/Worthy Park/Hampden) rum?
I'll have to look for those cheesy notes next time I dig into it (which probably won't be long). I'm a big fan of the Sanaig. Machir Bay is solid, but Kilchoman and sherry are a match made in heaven. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both of those. Talisker 10 is a classic. It's not in the pipeline currently, but definitely one I'll get around to. What kind of self-respecting whisky channel doesn't review Talisker 10, eh? I might get into malternatives. At the moment there are sooooo many whiskies to get through. I've had some great Foursquares and I'm a fan of a nice pour of Armagnac here and there, but 99% of what I consume is whisky. We'll see. Cheers Simon, thanks for watching!
I appreciated your thoughts on this one, Geoff. My next purchase will be Old Pulteney 15 followed in November by this little Islay gem. Thanks again. Slainte!
Greetings from Israel! I started looking at your reviews and of course I signed up! There is an opinion that brevity is a talent! Great review of the awesome whiskey! Good luck buddy 👋
Just now finishing my first bottle of the PC 10. Fabulous whiskey. My first venture into Isla whiskey was Laphroig 10 and I was not at all impressed. But the PC 10 is a real feast. Get some. Consider me a subscriber Geoff. Your description was spot on in my opinion. I started on Cutty Sark in the 1970's. Thank goodness for single malts!!
Love your presentations and nowadays I look forward to finding your comments when looking for something I plan to get!!! You are spot-on about the Ardbeg 10. Loved your comparisons/references to the Lagavulin 16 and the Killochaman!!! BTW which Killochmans were you talking about? The Machir Bay? Could you do a comparison between the Lagavulin 16 and any good Killochaman please!!
Port Charlotte 10 and Kilchoman Sanaig are just fantastic core range whiskies. I agree and love them both. Won't sneeze at the Traigh Bhan batch 3 or Lagavulin 2022 special release, but those are for special occasions
Nice review Geoff, this is a great single malt and excellent value for money at UK prices, appreciate that won’t necessarily be the case in other markets. Love the chunky dark green bottle too, the sort of thing you might have found in a Victorian Pharmacy.
I heard a rumor that the peat is trucked in from Aberdeenshire, rather than use locally sourced Islay peat. The first thing which practically knocked me over is that the usual nasty Islay peat flavor was not there. It carries only the slightest of creosote notes and the medicinal and coal oil notes are entirely missing, which I deemed a major advance over the ALL crowd. For me, it is 'campfire smoke'. So, if that's what it takes to lose that Laphroaig stench, I'm all for it. I'm enjoying the PC10 and have been willing to sample amongst the Kilchoman offerings with their Sanaig, to positive effect.
Yeah they do source peat from the mainland, but I'm not sure what the precise percentages are. They might actually state it on the website, as they often do. Glad you're enjoying Kilchoman. Love their stuff! 🥃
Hi G Uncanny coincidence , We Lent some friends our holiday home for a birthday gathering last weekend and yesterday he gave me a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 as a thank you , said his friend had just bought it and loved it . I popped mine last night and as usual .. Your right it’s a really nice dram ..a very good , slightly different find 👍
Hah good timing on that one. Definitely a bit of a departure from your standard fare and a standout whisky for sure. Nice to have friends who know how to give a proper "thank you," eh? Enjoy Allan!
Like the other commenters here, I too enjoyed the PC10 but had a problem with the cork. Love the whisky, but this is the first bottle where the cork fell apart. I was able to replace the old cork with the one from the 750 ml bottle of Gulden Draak. Still, this is my favorite entry level peated Islay scotch. 🥃
Nice one, Geoff. I have a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 "in the pipeline" to be opened as soon as I finish my Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie, which has some 3-4 drams left in it. Totally agree that Port Charlotte is a staple among core Islay expressions, being very well presented and age-stated. I paid roughly 50 euros for a 0.7 l bottle which is some 7-8 euros more than Ardbeg 10, but given the 50% ABV and richer casks selection, IMHO the price is justified. Remains to be confirmed by smell and taste though:) Cheers!
Another great review. I definitely resonate with all your reviews and scores. Port Charlotte is the highest scored whisky that I've given in the last two years(93). It's superb. Just purchased a bottle of Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011, hope it's the same level as the 10! Cheers
93? Hah that's a very generous, but very well-deserved score. No denying this is a top-tier Islay. I landed on 89, but was seriously considering 90. Stunner.
@@Gwhisky yes but only a little. I initially scored it 92 but have not tried anything I have enjoyed so much so thought it deserved bumping up to 93. I mentioned it before but would love your thoughts on Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 if you get the chance
After the Bunna 12 I realised I really miss a moorish peated whisky... but then it is so hard to make a decision! Thanks, found this for AU$87.92 online today and ordered it an hour after watching your video. Let's see if you can get 2/2 Gwhisky! :)
In agreement with pretty much everything you've said. In their cask selection especially they showed great restraint and the result is a truly unique whiskey that doesn't just fall into the infinite mire of scotches finished in oloroso sherry- not that there's anything wrong with that necessarily, you know Bunna 18 is a favorite of mine. That said though, it does seem like there has been a homogenization of sorts in the scotch market with some distilleries eschewing the humble oak cask altogether for oloroso sherry specifically- or PX more polarizingly- whether it's to cover up weaknesses in the base distillate or consumer demand I do not know. I quite enjoy Bruichladdich for that reason, as well as Laphroaig, Deanston, and some of the Hazelburn and Ledaig offerings- and I appreciate any distillery like these that would put out a pretty aged scotch that is aged exclusively in oak, sometimes with unique finishes like Manzanilla or some of the suspected finishes (like Sauternes) in some of the Black Art releases. I'm rambling a bit, but, on the whole Bruichladdich is a distillery I truly respect. They market themselves as a craft distillery for people who have had enough of the "fluff" with the wider scotch world and it's clear that they love what they do. If one can get over the butyric acid note some complain of (I don't taste it personally) then it's a distillery you really can't go wrong with- the Black Arts are stunning, the Port Charlotte special releases tend to be exceptional deals (up there with Laphroaig which I think as the best deals on special releases on Islay), and Octomore while it can be hit or miss is still something every scotch head should experience at least once. Would you consider reviewing the Islay Barley 2011? The gray and yellow one. As far as I can tell you've not reviewed it, and I actually prefer it to Port Charlotte personally!
Very good points, and even as a self-proclaimed "sherry guy," I do appreciate when brands let the distillate speak for itself. It shows a level of confidence in the quality of your spirit. I've never had a Black Arts release. I'd love to, but obviously they aren't exactly cheap. The Octomores are a hit-or-miss bunch, but they're definitely a cool line with some great flavours. Again, pricing is a bit of an issue. I'll certainly get around to reviewing either the 2011 or the 2012 Islay Barley at some point. That one's pretty high up on my shopping list at the moment. Cheers Joel!
I just made the jump from Laphroig 10, which I did not really like, nor consume much at all, to Lagavulin 16, which was a distinct improvement, largely because the peat was tamped down. I'm not sure I'd jump for a line that had a notable peat character. I'm still looking for the 'lilting hint of peat' like I ran into with Highland Park's Einar.
I just got a new bottle of this a couple of weeks ago after not having had it in a while. I know people who love Islays but don't care for the Port Charlottes (I suspect maybe because of the combination of strong peat & wine casks? I think not everyone goes for that combo), I however enjoy it quite a bit.
Glad you like it. I'm a huge fan, but the peat/wine or peat/sherry isn't for everyone. Lot's of people prefer the more straight-forward bourbon-matured Islays, which I can appreciate.
The only con about this bottling is that I’ve experienced the cork seal breaking. That and price fluctuations from $58 to $79 then back to $68. Ardbeg 10 year is $52 but if Kilchoman pricing stays at $55 then I’ll be buying Kilchoman.
Really like how Bruichladdich play with wine cask, not too much, but perfectly combine with bourbon cask. Without peat, the classic lady shows more clearly the influence of wine cask, which is my favorite(Presentation I give 6 out of 5😆). As a sherry guy, have you tried PC OLC:01? So curious about that one. Recently I have tried Bruichladdich Taiwan exclusive 2020 edition, which is 10yo single barrel(1st fill Spanish wine cask). For that one...Wine cask just steal the show...too over😅. Still, appreciate their experimental spirit.
I’ve been undecided about this bottle at least for a couple years. I think I’ll buy it later this year. Does it taste much younger than say caol illa 12 or is it closer to Talisker 10 in spiciness ?
It doesn't have much youth to it. When I talk about young Islays, I'm usually referring to things that are maybe 3-6 years old. 10 years is plenty of time to get all the flavours settled in from a peated whisky. I don't think you'll have any issues with youth here. It's definitely a lot punchier than Caol Ila. Not really a matter of age, though. More due to the higher abv and more intense flavours.
@@Gwhisky ok, it’s just that the word punchy grabbed my attention. I think punchy I imagine 3-4 yr blended scotch or bourbon. Or maybe a good one like the 12 yr old Quinta Ruban. That was a tasty, yet particularly spicy dram, or a younger one like Glengarioch founders reserve, is also punchy. I think recent versions of Talisker 10 are a tad harsh. At least initially after opening.
Easily my favorite peated whisky, and a tremendous value all things considered. I think this is one of the best whiskies being bottled today regardless of price.
@@Gwhisky I think you'd need to bump up to something like Ledaig 18 (I remember you thought it was challenging) to find a heavily peated malt with more/different character worth paying up for.
At this point it's not often anymore a scotch makes me say "Wow, that's something new!" but Ledaig 18 was the last one to do so. You can taste pretty easily that they use very active and very high quality sherry casks- I consider Bunnahabhain 18 to be an unpeated spiritual brother to it in regards to the quality of it- and much like Bunna 18 I struggled greatly to put the bottle down! Probably one of the best value peated sherried scotches on the market, up there with the Port Charlotte OLC I would say if you can find them.
I gave the Ledaig 18 an extremely high score and spent the entire review saying how much I loved it. One of the best 18 year olds out there. That and the Bunna 18 are top picks for me as well.
"Leave Islay"? Noooo, I can't. The thing is, there are few "entry level" Islay scotches under $60 now. I always keep Laphroaig 10 around because I like it's obvious smokiness, lack of fruity sweetness, and because I don't think twice about the price. A good scotch is quite the luxury that I don't always feel comfortable buying. G, how quickly do you typically go through a bottle? I mean there is something of a shelf life once opened, no?
This is the ONLY peated scotch I buy and like (okay, aside from the Nick Offerman Lagavulins - but that's strictly because I'm a sucker for that particular celebrity marketing gimmick).
This has replaced the Ardbeg 10 for the best entry level 10 year Islay whisky for me. Jim McEwan was the "Elon Musk" of the whisky industry. Bruichladdich does a great job of combining excellent, eccentric whiskies with modern marketing that doesn't make you cringe. Yes, some of their bottlings area extremely overpriced and overhyped. The dark art series and the Octamore are not worth the price. But as you mentioned, they bring something different to the table. Also spot on about the fact that Bruichladdich and Kilchomann are catching up to the big boys. Especially at entry level. I wish they provided more details about their "French wine casks". For a distillery that is so transparent about most things, leaving this out is strange. They provide these details in their cask exploration series bottles. I think it is probably a blend. I'm thinking a dry Boudreaux and perhaps a Merlot. It has that spicy dryness and an underlying cookies and stewed fruit character. Fun to ponder over while one enjoys this lovely dram I guess. While Laphroaig stands out for their 10 year cask strength bottlings and the occasional Cairdeas (2019 and 2020 were amazing), Ardbeg does have the best entry level with their Wee Beastie. At 42$ here for the quality, it is unbeatable. Somehow, their 10 year hs diminished in quality and I suspect they are focusing more on their annual committee releases, which are rather excellent(Arrrrdbeg, Blaaaack, Scorch). Their prices are crazy though. One can only hope that one day they will launch a few of these lovely bottlings as a part of their core range. They did just that for Uigeadal. I dream of the day I can get a bottle of the Ardbeg Alligator and the lord of the isles at a reasonable price. Hey, a man can dream!
Imo Ardbeg 10 hasn't been on point for years now. I'm sorry to say I tend to brush it off at this point. Very disappointed with the last couple bottles I've had. It was a beacon of consistency and quality for the longest time. You're right, they must be distracted by their other ventures over at Ardbeg. I liked the Blaaaack a lot. I haven't seen the Arrrrdbeg around, and the Scorch is currently selling for about USD $290 here, so it's a hard pass. Laphroaig entry level whiskies do nothing for me, and they never have. Not being experienced with the Cairdeas, the 10 cs is the brand's only saving grace in my eyes. I've never felt much warmth for Laphroaig. One or two good expressions in a sea of mediocrity (I said it...) aren't enough to justify the brand's sparkling image.
@@Gwhisky No, you are right about both Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig. Ardbeg had been the most consistent of all Islay distilleries until the last few years. I hope they maintain the quality of their wee-beastie. The 10 year is just a sad reflection of its past. I do have a soft spot for Laphroaig. I just cannot fathom why they chill filter and add coloring to their whiskies. Their 10 year cask strength is the absolute best Islay offering. I do like their quarter cask for its versatility and flavor layers. The Lore was a good NAS as well. Btw, have you tried their 10 year sherry oak? I found that to be quite enjoyable.
@@yoursinsincerely39 I haven't had the Sherry Oak, it's not available here yet. I've heard nothing but good things about it. I'll definitely be snatching it up when I can.
@@Gwhisky Some of those committee releases go for Black Art (24-26 year old) money. And Lord of the Isles hasn’t been produced since 2007, so if you want that, think 30+ year Port Ellen/Brora money at an auction. Port Charlotte 10 runs ~$70 where I’m at, and the distribution here is both weak and slow. But I stock up on it at twice-yearly sales for $55. Ardbeg 10 is regular-priced $55 and rising. I get Ardbeg Uigeadail at those sales for $60. Laphroig Lore is worthy of consideration. It is an Uigeadail-like moderately sherried peatster, that used to be compared to Dark Cove. Lore contains some old whiskys (7-21 yo), but it is expensive for a NAS: it was $80 here pre-tariff, pandemic, supply, inflation, fuel & shipping increase…. It shot up to $120-130 in 2021, and hasn’t been discounted in a sale. I didn’t get the wine cask-matured Port Charlotte 10 version here until late 2021. Previous releases really showcased the smoke: rich smoked meat notes, not muddy/dusty like Ardbeg 10, not ashy like Caol Ila, not TCP medicinal like Laphroig, perhaps closest to Uigeadail’s bacon notes.
I've tried this once, and like the Classic Laddie, I don't quite yet know what to make of it. I can tell it's really decent stuff, but the flavor notes are unusual to me. They go in very different directions from the Islays I've tried before. It's a good thing, I just feel like maybe this is an acquired taste. With the development of the whiskey market, I do appreciate new options. Kilchoman has been very encouraging, it's true. And Ledaig 10 is pure class.
It's different. It's the only entry-level peated 10 year old that uses wine casks, to my knowledge. And the distillate itself is very distinct. Not going to be for everybody, but as you said, there are plenty of options. Kilchoman is beautiful stuff, too! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I've had to revise my opinion. This whisky has sneakily become one of my favorite sippers when going to bars. If I could get this at 50 EUR or so, it's an auto-buy. At 60 EUR, makes me think twice. My first impression would have been 83, but now I'm thinking a strong 88.
Dude........did you just say Ardbeg10 is not what it used to be????? That's a bold thing to say. Maybe it's the delicious price but this PC 10 is almost twice the price of Ardbeg10 and for that reason alone it's impossible to beat the Beg. I think my local shop just has a line on older inventory so they haven't raised the price yet. Pricing is crazy, I wonder what I would do if I was the retailer. I'm in New York, I could gouge the rare bourbons, inflate all the Whisky...but why keep some really low? Port Charlotte, yes this is up there, even better than many Islays. I happen to like the 2007 heavily peated Scottish Barley also. It's only bourbon matured so the barley really shines through. That was a dusty bottle find. The 2012 that's recently available is not as clean or refined IMHO.
Where I live this is about USD $10 over the Ardbeg 10. And the Ardbeg 10 is not as good these days in my opinion. I wouldn't say it's gone downhill if I didn't genuinely believe it. I've been drinking it for over a decade and for the longest time it was as solid as they come. My last two or three bottles were disappointing, and I've basically stopped buying it at this point.
@@Gwhisky I have only been at this for about 4 years. It was really nice to walk out of the store with 2 for $100. Ardbeg10 and Deanston 12 for example. I just cracked open my first Corryvrecken, cause I found it for less than $90. Certainly worth the extra $$. I totally get the value and now I'm opening up my budget for the growing collection. 10 year peated whiskys make the best flights. And always good UA-cam content. Not that I'm saying you should do more comparison videos.... I love the whiskyTubes. I like knowing a little about what I'm buying. I have a fetish for domestic malts, Soni buy them on sight. And they are sometimes not so good, but they're on my shelf.
@@Gwhisky I'm hoping I'll acquire a liking to it and also hoping it opens up after a while. I've learned not to judge a bottle by it's first impression
Solid review. But. Stop saying that Port Charlotte 10 is entry level. Do people understand what entry level is anymore? Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie: that is "entry level". Ardbeg 10 or Laga whatever year is maaaaaybe "entry level" ... FOR AN ISLAY. You don't really recommend Islay Scotches as "entry level".
@@Gwhisky Apologies, I'm not trying to sound overly rude at all. I enjoyed the video and gave it a thumbs up. I'm simply venting because (imo) "entry level" is an overused term -- in general (by many reviewers). Just because something might not be AS complex or AS aged doesn't mean it's a beginner whiskey. It's ok for something to be in the middle. My examples were just that, examples. I don't know where the line is drawn exactly. Admittedly this is a nitpick only. Keep up the good work.
@@Eddogegr3 Well I've always defined entry level as the lower priced offerings from a certain distillery that are under a certain price point. Of course, price points vary wildly in different markets, but here in Taiwan PC10 sits under $50. As it's the cheapest PC on the market, I used the term entry level. Absolutely no hard feelings, apologies for snapping back. Appreciate the kind words. 🥃
@@Gwhisky haha, that's a fair point. For me, in the US, it's sitting at $80 just above the $35 Glenmorangie 10 shelf. (Laproiag 10 is about $55 -- the lowest Islay price wise). So that might affect my opinion. But I guess it's also about reputation. The average person who has heard of Islay will name drop Lagavulin, and not even recognize PC or even Bruichladdich. Does reputation even relate to "entry level"? I'm not sure. In the end, I guess it's about what is the most approachable taste for a beginner, that is what really is entry level. And it's hard to think that anything labeled "heavily peated" is that.
A bit late to comments but the wine casks used are Chateau Mouton Rothschild, which according to the vineyard uses Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (15%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (1%) grapes. SOURCE: I saw them being used in the warehouse when I visited the Bruichladdich distillery last October. I think all their wine casks come from there.
I'm from Trinidad (the Caribbean). The typical Whisky of choice is Johnnie Walker here. Whisky of this caliber is generally expensive TT$600/bottle (US$90/bottle) minimum. Took the plunge last year and bought this bottle. Absolutely love it!
Glad you enjoy! 🥃
It's like a BBQ and bonfire night at a beachside mechanics workshop. Absolutely delicious. My favourite 10 year old Islay.
Hah love the description. Totally makes sense!
Spectacular!!
Just picked up a bottle yesterday. Wow! The smoothness despite the generous ABV was a revelation. The first two sips I took neat, then added just under 5ml of water--and it blossomed! Great review and wholeheartedly agree with your comments and rating. Thanks!
Glad to hear you're enjoying it. Beauty! 🥃
Great review as always Geoff, I really like this dram. As far as I know though the peat comes from mainland and it really gives off those earthy, tea, herbal notes instead of the iodine and medicinal note. It's such good dram and a really good contrast to your classic Islays. Cheers!
Thanks! Yeah it's definitely got its own character. One of my current Islay favourites. I'll have to look for those tea notes on my next go with it. Cheers!
Yes! This is one of my absolute top recommendations. Bearing in mind the ABV and age statement it's also very good value at UK prices in my opinion.
The only issue I had with my last bottle was very loose cork which was annoying as the neck of the bottle is so wide that I couldn't find an alternative cork to fit!
Beautiful stuff, glad you agree Sam! Hah true, the bottle design is awesome until a cork breaks and you've got to replace it somehow!
Great review! I rave about this one any chance I get. Super rich, complex, and delicious for the money. Also love that Bruichladdich’s standard is 50% ABV! More distilleries should take notice and copy.
Yeah such a cool move giving us 50%. They're trying to be a “premium” Islay brand, but at least they're backing it up with craft presentation and some serious abv!
This whisky wasn’t on my radar, yet here I sit 24hours after your review, with a dram in hand… that’s how much faith I put in your reviews.
I had tried “classic laddie” a few years back, and felt underwhelmed. Probably would never have gone back to the brand again, had it not been for your recommendation. I can say, that sometimes blind faith does pay off. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.
I did question, “do I not already have enough of the peaty ones on the shelf already”? Hell no! This one is a keeper.
Thanks for the recommendation.
It's great, isn't it? These kinds of comments are my favourite btw. Of course my opinions are my own and not everyone will agree, but I always feel a bit of guilt when ppl don't really like something that I've recommended. Oppositely, when people reach out to thank me for a solid recommendation, that's a pretty damn good feeling! Glad you enjoy it, Howard. Cheers!
This bottle didn't last long on my shelf and it needs replacing and you just remined me cheers. One of the best peated drops I've ever had.
It's excellent! Glad you like it!
Great review Geoff, interesting and informative. I'm a big fan of Bruichladdich, especially the heavily peated Port Charlotte, not only the 10 year old, but also the Cask Exploration Series. They are innovative and their first priority is the quality of the whisky.
Absolutely agree. The tlc they put into their whisky shows. 🥃
My absolute favorite peated from Islay, at this moment in time.
2 yrs. later, great review, great whisky. thanks!
Thanks for watching! 🥃
just re-watching this while i finish off my bottle of PC 10. it really is a special dram - and your observations were really quite insightful Geoff. i have kind of fallen in love with peat recently, and the laphroaig 10 CS (b15) literally blew my mind...... but i have never tried some staples like Laga 16 -so think i will replace the Pc10 with the Laga..... something tells me i will be returning to the PC at some point.... so interesting..... again - really great review....
My bottle arrived this week, had a couple drams yesterday for the first time. Simply stunning! I was seriously blown away. I had tasted the Laphroaig Portwood a few weeks ago... and yes, I know there's no port in this... and it's probably not as similar... but it really reminded me of it. I could nose this for days. Excellent stuff. IMHO this is absolutely better than Laphroaig 10, Ardbeg 10 and Ledaig 10. I need to try others of their line up now!
They're a bit pricey, but the Cask Exploration line is some of the finest peated whiskies on the market today imo. Glad you're enjoying the 10. It's a classic! 🥃
@@Gwhisky that’s the thing, they’re all pricey here in Brazil (Ardbeg 10 is more expensive btw). So I only pick bottles in private groups when a really good deal (for our market) pops up. Thanks!
I agree this is a step above Ardbeg10, Laphroaig10, and Laga16.
I was really excited to see a review about this one on your channel. Bought it recently and haven’t been able to open it up yet but I might just have to this weekend.
Awesome. Let me know how it goes!
A must in every peathead bar. Solid single malt!!!
Absolutely!
Nice review Geoff and glad to see you like it too. My favourite entry-level peated Islay right now; I get the maple-bacon notes too and love them! I also get a bit of a farmy note, or possibly smoked/ripe French cheese (reminds me of a proper French/Swiss Savoyard fondue with Reblochon cheese). Really stands out from the rest of the peated Islay crowd and given the craft presentation and 50% ABV, it represents good value in UK (if you shop around you can get it under 45 GBP). I agree that the more famous Islay distilleries' entry expressions are not what they were and I also have a couple of Kilchoman bottles in the stash lined up to try soon (Machir Bay and Sanaig) so I'll be interested to see how the most 'craft' of Islay whiskies compares to this.
Keep up the good work and I'd be interested to see your thoughts on Talisker 10 if you get a chance? One of my favourite entry-level whiskies. Also, have you thought about doing any malternatives, like a good Bajan (e.g. Foursquare) or Jamaican (Appleton/Worthy Park/Hampden) rum?
I'll have to look for those cheesy notes next time I dig into it (which probably won't be long).
I'm a big fan of the Sanaig. Machir Bay is solid, but Kilchoman and sherry are a match made in heaven. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on both of those.
Talisker 10 is a classic. It's not in the pipeline currently, but definitely one I'll get around to. What kind of self-respecting whisky channel doesn't review Talisker 10, eh?
I might get into malternatives. At the moment there are sooooo many whiskies to get through. I've had some great Foursquares and I'm a fan of a nice pour of Armagnac here and there, but 99% of what I consume is whisky. We'll see.
Cheers Simon, thanks for watching!
My favorite entry level peated Islay. One of the few that I always have 2 bottles at home.
It's a beauty! 🥃
Well done Geoff great review and advice on other Islay SM's to get.
Thanks a lot Tom! 🙏
I appreciated your thoughts on this one, Geoff. My next purchase will be Old Pulteney 15 followed in November by this little Islay gem. Thanks again. Slainte!
Hope you like it! Pulteney 15 is solid stuff, although it takes a while to open up. Cheers!
My favorite core range peated Islay. So good! Cheers
Amazing stuff!
Heavily peated is an overstatement for sure.
Greetings from Israel!
I started looking at your reviews and of course I signed up!
There is an opinion that brevity is a talent!
Great review of the awesome whiskey!
Good luck buddy 👋
Thanks Ron! Yes I try to keep my reviews concise and bite-sized. I'm glad you enjoy them!
Just now finishing my first bottle of the PC 10. Fabulous whiskey. My first venture into Isla whiskey was Laphroig 10 and I was not at all impressed. But the PC 10 is a real feast. Get some. Consider me a subscriber Geoff. Your description was spot on in my opinion. I started on Cutty Sark in the 1970's. Thank goodness for single malts!!
Thanks for the kind words, Fred. Glad you're enjoying the PC10. It's a banger! Cheers! 🥃
Love your presentations and nowadays I look forward to finding your comments when looking for something I plan to get!!! You are spot-on about the Ardbeg 10. Loved your comparisons/references to the Lagavulin 16 and the Killochaman!!! BTW which Killochmans were you talking about? The Machir Bay? Could you do a comparison between the Lagavulin 16 and any good Killochaman please!!
Port Charlotte 10 and Kilchoman Sanaig are just fantastic core range whiskies. I agree and love them both. Won't sneeze at the Traigh Bhan batch 3 or Lagavulin 2022 special release, but those are for special occasions
Nice review one of my favorite current bottles, i also enjoy the Classic Laddie very much, i would love to see it being reviewed someday. Cheers!!
Cheers! I'll see!
Nice review Geoff, this is a great single malt and excellent value for money at UK prices, appreciate that won’t necessarily be the case in other markets. Love the chunky dark green bottle too, the sort of thing you might have found in a Victorian Pharmacy.
Great stuff and killer bottle. Definitely some old school apothecary vibes!
Thanks for watching Lang!
I heard a rumor that the peat is trucked in from Aberdeenshire, rather than use locally sourced Islay peat. The first thing which practically knocked me over is that the usual nasty Islay peat flavor was not there. It carries only the slightest of creosote notes and the medicinal and coal oil notes are entirely missing, which I deemed a major advance over the ALL crowd. For me, it is 'campfire smoke'. So, if that's what it takes to lose that Laphroaig stench, I'm all for it. I'm enjoying the PC10 and have been willing to sample amongst the Kilchoman offerings with their Sanaig, to positive effect.
Yeah they do source peat from the mainland, but I'm not sure what the precise percentages are. They might actually state it on the website, as they often do. Glad you're enjoying Kilchoman. Love their stuff! 🥃
Truly my favourite islay! But i´m in love with bruichladdich stuff... :D Cheers
It's awesome!
This is a modern day classic
Hi G
Uncanny coincidence ,
We Lent some friends our holiday home for a birthday gathering last weekend and yesterday he gave me a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 as a thank you , said his friend had just bought it and loved it .
I popped mine last night and as usual ..
Your right it’s a really nice dram ..a very good , slightly different find 👍
Hah good timing on that one. Definitely a bit of a departure from your standard fare and a standout whisky for sure. Nice to have friends who know how to give a proper "thank you," eh? Enjoy Allan!
Like the other commenters here, I too enjoyed the PC10 but had a problem with the cork. Love the whisky, but this is the first bottle where the cork fell apart. I was able to replace the old cork with the one from the 750 ml bottle of Gulden Draak. Still, this is my favorite entry level peated Islay scotch. 🥃
Sorry to hear that. I guess I'm lucky. I've never had that issue. Unique corks are great until you have to replace them...
Nice comment, love that PC:10 and I am half way thru the bottle. Best regards and greetings from good ole Germany
Thanks for watching Kryszian! Glad to hear you're enjoying your bottle. Greetings from Taiwan!
@@Gwhisky Awww that’s awesome, sharing wisdom half around the world! I enjoy your fresh and joyful, truly honest point of views! Appreciate it!
Love the channel, and love this whisky
Thanks Alex! 🙏
Fantastic whisky.
Nice one, Geoff.
I have a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 "in the pipeline" to be opened as soon as I finish my Ardbeg 5 Wee Beastie, which has some 3-4 drams left in it. Totally agree that Port Charlotte is a staple among core Islay expressions, being very well presented and age-stated. I paid roughly 50 euros for a 0.7 l bottle which is some 7-8 euros more than Ardbeg 10, but given the 50% ABV and richer casks selection, IMHO the price is justified. Remains to be confirmed by smell and taste though:)
Cheers!
Yeah I'd say it's worth the extra €8! Great dram. Let me know how it goes!
A house favourite with us and prob the malt we tuck through the most.
Understandable! My bottle hasn't lasted me too long either!
Another great review. I definitely resonate with all your reviews and scores. Port Charlotte is the highest scored whisky that I've given in the last two years(93). It's superb. Just purchased a bottle of Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011, hope it's the same level as the 10! Cheers
93? Hah that's a very generous, but very well-deserved score. No denying this is a top-tier Islay. I landed on 89, but was seriously considering 90. Stunner.
@@Gwhisky yes but only a little. I initially scored it 92 but have not tried anything I have enjoyed so much so thought it deserved bumping up to 93. I mentioned it before but would love your thoughts on Loch Lomond Inchmoan 12 if you get the chance
Inchmoan 18 didn't do much for me tbh, so I'm a bit hesitant to try the 12.
Sorry that was Inchmurrin. Lol.
@@Gwhisky yeh I didn't think it was great either, Inchmoan is very different, in my opinion...
After the Bunna 12 I realised I really miss a moorish peated whisky... but then it is so hard to make a decision! Thanks, found this for AU$87.92 online today and ordered it an hour after watching your video. Let's see if you can get 2/2 Gwhisky! :)
Pressure's on, eh? Lol. Let me know your thoughts when you pop it!
Sounds good! Nice review. I am going to buy a bottle :)
It's a good one. Hope you enjoy, Simone! 🥃
@@Gwhisky A salty smoker with European red wine cask influence - yummie! You made me push up my budget limit, until now I kept it below €50 a bottle 😁
In agreement with pretty much everything you've said. In their cask selection especially they showed great restraint and the result is a truly unique whiskey that doesn't just fall into the infinite mire of scotches finished in oloroso sherry- not that there's anything wrong with that necessarily, you know Bunna 18 is a favorite of mine. That said though, it does seem like there has been a homogenization of sorts in the scotch market with some distilleries eschewing the humble oak cask altogether for oloroso sherry specifically- or PX more polarizingly- whether it's to cover up weaknesses in the base distillate or consumer demand I do not know.
I quite enjoy Bruichladdich for that reason, as well as Laphroaig, Deanston, and some of the Hazelburn and Ledaig offerings- and I appreciate any distillery like these that would put out a pretty aged scotch that is aged exclusively in oak, sometimes with unique finishes like Manzanilla or some of the suspected finishes (like Sauternes) in some of the Black Art releases.
I'm rambling a bit, but, on the whole Bruichladdich is a distillery I truly respect. They market themselves as a craft distillery for people who have had enough of the "fluff" with the wider scotch world and it's clear that they love what they do. If one can get over the butyric acid note some complain of (I don't taste it personally) then it's a distillery you really can't go wrong with- the Black Arts are stunning, the Port Charlotte special releases tend to be exceptional deals (up there with Laphroaig which I think as the best deals on special releases on Islay), and Octomore while it can be hit or miss is still something every scotch head should experience at least once.
Would you consider reviewing the Islay Barley 2011? The gray and yellow one. As far as I can tell you've not reviewed it, and I actually prefer it to Port Charlotte personally!
Very good points, and even as a self-proclaimed "sherry guy," I do appreciate when brands let the distillate speak for itself. It shows a level of confidence in the quality of your spirit.
I've never had a Black Arts release. I'd love to, but obviously they aren't exactly cheap. The Octomores are a hit-or-miss bunch, but they're definitely a cool line with some great flavours. Again, pricing is a bit of an issue.
I'll certainly get around to reviewing either the 2011 or the 2012 Islay Barley at some point. That one's pretty high up on my shopping list at the moment.
Cheers Joel!
Cool stuff 👍🏻
Thanks! 🙏
I just made the jump from Laphroig 10, which I did not really like, nor consume much at all, to Lagavulin 16, which was a distinct improvement, largely because the peat was tamped down. I'm not sure I'd jump for a line that had a notable peat character. I'm still looking for the 'lilting hint of peat' like I ran into with Highland Park's Einar.
I just got a new bottle of this a couple of weeks ago after not having had it in a while. I know people who love Islays but don't care for the Port Charlottes (I suspect maybe because of the combination of strong peat & wine casks? I think not everyone goes for that combo), I however enjoy it quite a bit.
Glad you like it. I'm a huge fan, but the peat/wine or peat/sherry isn't for everyone. Lot's of people prefer the more straight-forward bourbon-matured Islays, which I can appreciate.
The only con about this bottling is that I’ve experienced the cork seal breaking. That and price fluctuations from $58 to $79 then back to $68. Ardbeg 10 year is $52 but if Kilchoman pricing stays at $55 then I’ll be buying Kilchoman.
Really like how Bruichladdich play with wine cask, not too much, but perfectly combine with bourbon cask. Without peat, the classic lady shows more clearly the influence of wine cask, which is my favorite(Presentation I give 6 out of 5😆). As a sherry guy, have you tried PC OLC:01? So curious about that one.
Recently I have tried Bruichladdich Taiwan exclusive 2020 edition, which is 10yo single barrel(1st fill Spanish wine cask). For that one...Wine cask just steal the show...too over😅. Still, appreciate their experimental spirit.
I haven't tried the OLC:01, nor have I tried the Taiwan exclusive wine cask. Curious about the first one, though!
I’ve been undecided about this bottle at least for a couple years. I think I’ll buy it later this year.
Does it taste much younger than say caol illa 12 or is it closer to Talisker 10 in spiciness ?
It doesn't have much youth to it. When I talk about young Islays, I'm usually referring to things that are maybe 3-6 years old. 10 years is plenty of time to get all the flavours settled in from a peated whisky. I don't think you'll have any issues with youth here. It's definitely a lot punchier than Caol Ila. Not really a matter of age, though. More due to the higher abv and more intense flavours.
@@Gwhisky ok, it’s just that the word punchy grabbed my attention. I think punchy I imagine 3-4 yr blended scotch or bourbon. Or maybe a good one like the 12 yr old Quinta Ruban. That was a tasty, yet particularly spicy dram, or a younger one like Glengarioch founders reserve, is also punchy.
I think recent versions of Talisker 10 are a tad harsh. At least initially after opening.
Easily my favorite peated whisky, and a tremendous value all things considered. I think this is one of the best whiskies being bottled today regardless of price.
Agree. It's top entry-level Islay for sure, and can beat a lot of the more premium stuff, too!
@@Gwhisky I think you'd need to bump up to something like Ledaig 18 (I remember you thought it was challenging) to find a heavily peated malt with more/different character worth paying up for.
At this point it's not often anymore a scotch makes me say "Wow, that's something new!" but Ledaig 18 was the last one to do so. You can taste pretty easily that they use very active and very high quality sherry casks- I consider Bunnahabhain 18 to be an unpeated spiritual brother to it in regards to the quality of it- and much like Bunna 18 I struggled greatly to put the bottle down!
Probably one of the best value peated sherried scotches on the market, up there with the Port Charlotte OLC I would say if you can find them.
I gave the Ledaig 18 an extremely high score and spent the entire review saying how much I loved it. One of the best 18 year olds out there. That and the Bunna 18 are top picks for me as well.
@@Gwhisky Yes, I didn't say you didn't like it, but I meant to say that it's in no way a beginners whisky.
How would you compare it to the PC Islay Barley bottle? I believe the 2013 bottle and late 2012 versions are now 8 years+
I'm not sure, I haven't had either of those vintages. I'll keep an eye out for them, though!
How long have you lived in Taiwan? Amazing that you can read the language too
I've lived in Taiwan for over 10 years now. Actually my reading is quite poor. I can speak Chinese much better than I can read it.
"Leave Islay"? Noooo, I can't.
The thing is, there are few "entry level" Islay scotches under $60 now. I always keep Laphroaig 10 around because I like it's obvious smokiness, lack of fruity sweetness, and because I don't think twice about the price. A good scotch is quite the luxury that I don't always feel comfortable buying.
G, how quickly do you typically go through a bottle? I mean there is something of a shelf life once opened, no?
This is the ONLY peated scotch I buy and like (okay, aside from the Nick Offerman Lagavulins - but that's strictly because I'm a sucker for that particular celebrity marketing gimmick).
It's a killer. One of the best ones out there imo!
Have you had the the Ballechin 10? It may be worth doing a head to head between the two 🥃🥃😋
I haven't had the Ballechin 10. One to try!
I really smell and taste creamy note in this one. Maybe the wine influence?
A man (or woman?) of taste, I see. Glad to finally have you subscribed! Cheers! 🥃
I don't like Ardbeg Ten, I prefer the Uigeadail, probably for the same reasons why I like the Port Charlotte.
I like it, but still prefer Laphroaig Quarter Cask. Anyone else feel the same?
This has replaced the Ardbeg 10 for the best entry level 10 year Islay whisky for me. Jim McEwan was the "Elon Musk" of the whisky industry. Bruichladdich does a great job of combining excellent, eccentric whiskies with modern marketing that doesn't make you cringe. Yes, some of their bottlings area extremely overpriced and overhyped. The dark art series and the Octamore are not worth the price. But as you mentioned, they bring something different to the table.
Also spot on about the fact that Bruichladdich and Kilchomann are catching up to the big boys. Especially at entry level.
I wish they provided more details about their "French wine casks". For a distillery that is so transparent about most things, leaving this out is strange. They provide these details in their cask exploration series bottles. I think it is probably a blend. I'm thinking a dry Boudreaux and perhaps a Merlot. It has that spicy dryness and an underlying cookies and stewed fruit character. Fun to ponder over while one enjoys this lovely dram I guess.
While Laphroaig stands out for their 10 year cask strength bottlings and the occasional Cairdeas (2019 and 2020 were amazing), Ardbeg does have the best entry level with their Wee Beastie. At 42$ here for the quality, it is unbeatable. Somehow, their 10 year hs diminished in quality and I suspect they are focusing more on their annual committee releases, which are rather excellent(Arrrrdbeg, Blaaaack, Scorch). Their prices are crazy though. One can only hope that one day they will launch a few of these lovely bottlings as a part of their core range. They did just that for Uigeadal. I dream of the day I can get a bottle of the Ardbeg Alligator and the lord of the isles at a reasonable price. Hey, a man can dream!
Imo Ardbeg 10 hasn't been on point for years now. I'm sorry to say I tend to brush it off at this point. Very disappointed with the last couple bottles I've had. It was a beacon of consistency and quality for the longest time. You're right, they must be distracted by their other ventures over at Ardbeg.
I liked the Blaaaack a lot. I haven't seen the Arrrrdbeg around, and the Scorch is currently selling for about USD $290 here, so it's a hard pass.
Laphroaig entry level whiskies do nothing for me, and they never have. Not being experienced with the Cairdeas, the 10 cs is the brand's only saving grace in my eyes. I've never felt much warmth for Laphroaig. One or two good expressions in a sea of mediocrity (I said it...) aren't enough to justify the brand's sparkling image.
@@Gwhisky No, you are right about both Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig.
Ardbeg had been the most consistent of all Islay distilleries until the last few years. I hope they maintain the quality of their wee-beastie. The 10 year is just a sad reflection of its past.
I do have a soft spot for Laphroaig. I just cannot fathom why they chill filter and add coloring to their whiskies. Their 10 year cask strength is the absolute best Islay offering. I do like their quarter cask for its versatility and flavor layers. The Lore was a good NAS as well. Btw, have you tried their 10 year sherry oak? I found that to be quite enjoyable.
@@yoursinsincerely39 I haven't had the Sherry Oak, it's not available here yet. I've heard nothing but good things about it. I'll definitely be snatching it up when I can.
@@Gwhisky Some of those committee releases go for Black Art (24-26 year old) money.
And Lord of the Isles hasn’t been produced since 2007, so if you want that, think 30+ year Port Ellen/Brora money at an auction.
Port Charlotte 10 runs ~$70 where I’m at, and the distribution here is both weak and slow. But I stock up on it at twice-yearly sales for $55. Ardbeg 10 is regular-priced $55 and rising. I get Ardbeg Uigeadail at those sales for $60.
Laphroig Lore is worthy of consideration. It is an Uigeadail-like moderately sherried peatster, that used to be compared to Dark Cove. Lore contains some old whiskys (7-21 yo), but it is expensive for a NAS: it was $80 here pre-tariff, pandemic, supply, inflation, fuel & shipping increase…. It shot up to $120-130 in 2021, and hasn’t been discounted in a sale.
I didn’t get the wine cask-matured Port Charlotte 10 version here until late 2021. Previous releases really showcased the smoke: rich smoked meat notes, not muddy/dusty like Ardbeg 10, not ashy like Caol Ila, not TCP medicinal like Laphroig, perhaps closest to Uigeadail’s bacon notes.
I don’t know why, but I think this one is a little bit not oily enough.
PC10 is my new favorite entry level 10yo islay. replacing ardbeg 10
Agree!
I've tried this once, and like the Classic Laddie, I don't quite yet know what to make of it. I can tell it's really decent stuff, but the flavor notes are unusual to me. They go in very different directions from the Islays I've tried before. It's a good thing, I just feel like maybe this is an acquired taste. With the development of the whiskey market, I do appreciate new options. Kilchoman has been very encouraging, it's true. And Ledaig 10 is pure class.
It's different. It's the only entry-level peated 10 year old that uses wine casks, to my knowledge. And the distillate itself is very distinct. Not going to be for everybody, but as you said, there are plenty of options. Kilchoman is beautiful stuff, too! 🥃
@@Gwhisky I've had to revise my opinion. This whisky has sneakily become one of my favorite sippers when going to bars. If I could get this at 50 EUR or so, it's an auto-buy. At 60 EUR, makes me think twice. My first impression would have been 83, but now I'm thinking a strong 88.
This or Ardbeg 10??
This! 🥃
Dude........did you just say Ardbeg10 is not what it used to be????? That's a bold thing to say. Maybe it's the delicious price but this PC 10 is almost twice the price of Ardbeg10 and for that reason alone it's impossible to beat the Beg. I think my local shop just has a line on older inventory so they haven't raised the price yet.
Pricing is crazy, I wonder what I would do if I was the retailer. I'm in New York, I could gouge the rare bourbons, inflate all the Whisky...but why keep some really low?
Port Charlotte, yes this is up there, even better than many Islays. I happen to like the 2007 heavily peated Scottish Barley also. It's only bourbon matured so the barley really shines through. That was a dusty bottle find. The 2012 that's recently available is not as clean or refined IMHO.
Where I live this is about USD $10 over the Ardbeg 10. And the Ardbeg 10 is not as good these days in my opinion. I wouldn't say it's gone downhill if I didn't genuinely believe it. I've been drinking it for over a decade and for the longest time it was as solid as they come. My last two or three bottles were disappointing, and I've basically stopped buying it at this point.
@@Gwhisky I have only been at this for about 4 years. It was really nice to walk out of the store with 2 for $100. Ardbeg10 and Deanston 12 for example.
I just cracked open my first Corryvrecken, cause I found it for less than $90. Certainly worth the extra $$. I totally get the value and now I'm opening up my budget for the growing collection.
10 year peated whiskys make the best flights. And always good UA-cam content. Not that I'm saying you should do more comparison videos....
I love the whiskyTubes. I like knowing a little about what I'm buying. I have a fetish for domestic malts, Soni buy them on sight. And they are sometimes not so good, but they're on my shelf.
I would like to try this but it's too costly here it's 90$
Bit steep, yeah.
Its ok..but dont know what all the fuss is about..prefer Ledaig 10..in my opinion...
My first peated whisky. Tastes like shyte
Lol. Not for everyone I guess.
@@Gwhisky I'm hoping I'll acquire a liking to it and also hoping it opens up after a while. I've learned not to judge a bottle by it's first impression
Solid review. But. Stop saying that Port Charlotte 10 is entry level. Do people understand what entry level is anymore? Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie: that is "entry level". Ardbeg 10 or Laga whatever year is maaaaaybe "entry level" ... FOR AN ISLAY. You don't really recommend Islay Scotches as "entry level".
Didn't realize you decided the rules and definitions. I'll say what I want, thanks.
@@Gwhisky Apologies, I'm not trying to sound overly rude at all. I enjoyed the video and gave it a thumbs up. I'm simply venting because (imo) "entry level" is an overused term -- in general (by many reviewers). Just because something might not be AS complex or AS aged doesn't mean it's a beginner whiskey. It's ok for something to be in the middle.
My examples were just that, examples. I don't know where the line is drawn exactly.
Admittedly this is a nitpick only. Keep up the good work.
@@Eddogegr3 Well I've always defined entry level as the lower priced offerings from a certain distillery that are under a certain price point. Of course, price points vary wildly in different markets, but here in Taiwan PC10 sits under $50. As it's the cheapest PC on the market, I used the term entry level. Absolutely no hard feelings, apologies for snapping back. Appreciate the kind words. 🥃
@@Gwhisky haha, that's a fair point. For me, in the US, it's sitting at $80 just above the $35 Glenmorangie 10 shelf. (Laproiag 10 is about $55 -- the lowest Islay price wise). So that might affect my opinion.
But I guess it's also about reputation. The average person who has heard of Islay will name drop Lagavulin, and not even recognize PC or even Bruichladdich. Does reputation even relate to "entry level"? I'm not sure.
In the end, I guess it's about what is the most approachable taste for a beginner, that is what really is entry level. And it's hard to think that anything labeled "heavily peated" is that.