From Bruichladdich's outstanding Octomore range comes the Masterclass 08.4 8 Year Old!
Although all of the spirit in 08.4 is eight years old just 20% has been held full-term in virgin oak.
80% was originally introduced to American oak, first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, before being transferred into the European virgin oak that had previously held Octomore 07.4.
Originally distilled in 2009, the 08.4 edition is made from 100% Scottish malted barley from the 2008 harvest to 170ppm.
Nose: A little smoke but gentle and warm. The oak comes with sweet honeyed malt and banana bread. The phenolic muddy notes come again now with a peppery, floral edge.
Palate: A rich texture feels like honey as it slowly builds the flavour of the sweet mellow oak. Leather and toasted wood combine with the delicate smoke. There is balance here as there is no oak notes without an equal and complimenting note from the smoke.
Finish: Clove, aniseed and coffee grounds fade to peat smoke – the typical, classic Octomore finish that always lingers in your mind.