Port Charlotte 10 Year Old 2004 The Maltman

The Maltman is a label from the Meadowside Blending Company, run by Donald Hart (which we also know from the Hart Brothers releases) and son Andrew Hart. This Port Charlotte, matured on an oloroso sherry cask, was released back in 2015. Judging by the color, this was a very active cask.

On the nose, this translates into lots of dark and sweet notes like plums and dates, bacon on the barbecue with honey on top and baked banana. It sports some baby breath, which I often find in Port Charlotte. The peat is rather subdued and hardly gets a chance to show itself. Sherry dominates.

Despite the high ABV, this malt arrives soft and easy. Immediately, next to the sweet and dark fruit from the nose, I get a big swallow of brackish water. The peat rears its head. Salted caramel, ashes, burnt meat and liquorice candy. Then some bitter limes. Quite mouth coating and very pleasant.

In the finish – which is pleasantly long – I get more salt and ashes.

Well, this comes very close to The Heretic, I must say.

Find where to buy Port Charlotte whisky