Description

Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.9%           Age: 5 Years Old           Country: Scotland           PPM:108.2ppm

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 a combination of American oak, red wine, and French ex-cognac casks. Matured entirely on Islay for 5 years before being bottled at 59.1% alc/vol.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet citrus, lime zest and lemon meringue pie open on the nose, followed by toasted oak and a hint of earthy smoke. A medley of tropical fruit enhances the vibrancy of the single malt whisky, balanced with woody spices, smoked honey, toasted bread, and roasted coffee.

Palate: Viscous in texture, the sumptuously smooth spirit brings vanilla custard, caramel, toffee and a crack of black pepper. Charred oak, cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg provide added depth with pear drops and dried apricot cutting through Octomore’s inimitable peat smoke.

Finish: An unmistakable maritime quality lands on a finish, with waves of salt spray settling on the palate while peat embers linger.