Whisky: Port Charlotte 13 Year (2009), Dramfool 52nd Release

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 61.6%

Cask: Martinique Rum Barrel

Age: 13 Years (Distilled 28 April 2009, 7 May 2022)

Nose: Maritime and fruity, soursop juice, crushed cane, fresh oysters, burning sage and rosemary, hints of tropical fruit ice cream, picnic in the zoo with mellow animal funk and dried grass, lime and lavender cream candies.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, maritime and fruity, li hing mui on pineapple, citrusy zing, cream candies, coffee cake, Brazil nuts, dried mango and rock salt at the end.

Finish: Medium to long finish with mellow coastal notes and soft creamy fruit.

Score: 7

Narrative & Notes: A few years back, I was lucky enough to try a second-fill rum-matured Port Charlotte from the independent bottler Dramfool. It was divine, and, ever since I hoped to encounter another Port Charlotte just like it. I figured if they did it once and had refill casks around, there must be more out there. So I was thrilled to finally see another rum-matured Port Charlotte, though this was a different beast than that earlier release, with far more refined tropical fruits and considerably less barnyard funk.

I found this absolutely delightful with its crisp maritime overtones and lovely tropical fruits. It was a field trip to the zoo, and I could not help but recall specific and detailed memories of walking along the vine-covered zoo fence, the taste of over-priced animal-shaped fruit popsicles, the sweet smell of dried grass and animals (and, in some cases, their waste). To top it all off, a quick drop-in at a local store for Dole Whip, a creamy pineapple ice cream.

Overall, short of perfection but still fabulous.