This latest Bruichladdich Octomore expression, was distilled from Barley, peated to 167ppm and matured in virgin oak, this being a first for Octomore and a well worth first at that.
This process was uncharted territory, it was the first time that spirit distilled from Scottish malting barley and peated to these colossal levels had been matured in fresh wood but it was a worthy try and for seven years, head distiller Adam Hannett carefully managed the heavyweight flavour profiles in play during the development of this experimental dram – and to this date has now released just 12,000 bottles at 61.2% ABV.
Please note, this bottle comes without the presentation tin, single bottle only. This is reflective in price.
Nose: One word sums it up, captivating. There is a sweet smoky aroma upon opening with a powerful yet sweet rich oaked smoke. The virgin oak soon opens up a world of notes of dried fruit, raisin, apricot, delicious chocolate orange, coffee, coconut, buttery vanilla with a dusting of cloves and cinnamon.
Palate: Rich and sumptuous then there is a detonation of flavour. Sweetness, peat smoke and the richness of toasted oak, add a drop of water and experience exotic coconut, cloves, lemon peel, caramel and turkish delight as well as sweet orange blossom honey and more oak.
Finish: Honeysuckle and rose combine with liquorice and clove, dried dates, apricots and honeyed vanilla released from the oak. This then slowly fades while the smoke lingers as well as the sweetness from the virgin oak.