Description

Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 59.6%           Age: 5 Years Old           Country: Scotland           PPM:128.9ppm

Bruichladdich is living proof that the traditional whisky regions of Scotland make no sense. Please don’t think that labelling a whisky “Islay” has anything to do with taste because the truth is far more complicated and interesting. Built in 1881 when puffer-supplied coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, it is likely that Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. The great Alfred Barnard supports this view with a tantalising clue – the Laddie is the only distillery on Islay that he does not describe as drying its malt using peat in his fascinating exploration of the island’s distilleries in 1885. Sadly, none of that 19th century spirit survives, but the original Victorian machinery has allowed an unparalleled legacy of craft distilling to trickle down through the generations of men who make this sophisticated Islay dram.

The Octomore series was launched in 2008 and since has been very well received by whisky connoisseurs the world over. The series resembles the start of whisky innovation and creativity for the Bruichladddich distillery. Peating the malted barley for longer periods and creating a whisky from local barley was the challenge. The distillery set out to create the peatiest whisky in the world and have succeeded time and time again. Using different types of oak for maturation and breaking the rules as many times as possible to create a peated whisky like no other.

Distilled from 100% Scottish grown concerto barley which was malted to 108.2ppm (phenol parts per million) and matured in first-fill ex American whiskey barrels and re-charred ex-bourbon casks. Matured entirely on Islay for 5 years before being bottled at 59.1% alc/vol. The Octomore 15.1 is the base for the latest series of Octomore whiskies. With a wonderful balance between smoke, malt, cask and maturation. This whisky delivers a wonderful experience for the whisky connoisseur .

Tasting Notes

Nose:Caramel and vibrant citrus open on the nose, delicately wrapped in Octomore’s dry, earthy peat smoke. Spicy aniseed, vanilla and smooth custard follow, with a tropical fruit, geranium and a hint of ginger complementing the sweet malt.

Palate:Immediate heat on the palate is balanced with sweet dry malt and earthy smoke. A refreshing medley of mango, banana and apricot jam cuts through the heady peat, beautifully rounded with vanilla custard and toffee. A drop of water allows the smoke to open and brings subtle marine notes and warm sand.

Finish:Peat smoke, vanilla and sweet charred oak settle on the finish, with a fresh marine crispness.