The Octomore series is an annual release from Bruichladdich distillery of super heavily peated whiskies. The series redefined what peated whisky could be; reaching unheard of levels of PPM (from grain readings), yet still producing fruity, balanced, delicious spirit. It takes its name from John Brown's Octomore farm, where the barley for each of the .3 releases is grown.
The Octomore .2s utilise alternative cask maturation - in the case of the 14.2, Oloroso, Amarone and Pauillac casks. The Octomore 12.2 was distilled in 2017 from a 2016 harvest of 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley. It was initially matured for 4 years in Oloroso (40%), 1st-fill Amarone (16%) and 2nd fill Amarone (44%) casks before spending a final 1 year in Pauillac wine casks. Bottled at 57.7% with a PPM of 128.9.
Official Tasting Notes:
Nose: Leather, prunes, red currants and malted barley come to the fore, followed by toasted oak and hints of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Waves of smoke and distinct red fruits follow, complemented with cereal notes of malt and porridge. The peat smoke is dry and brooding, with a hint of burnt heather and subtle pipe tobacco from the oak.
Palate: The influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the vibrancy of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a crack of black pepper is complemented with rich fruit cake and dried fruits. A drop of water opens the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks, bringing a beautiful balance as notes of apple and pear grow with the dram.
Finish: Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore's signature earthy smoke lingers.
- Group:
- Whisky
- Type:
- Whisky
- Style:
- Single Malt
- Country:
- Scotland
- Region:
- Islay
- Producer:
- Bruichladdich
- Size:
- 700ml
- ABV:
- 57.7%
- Age:
- 5
