Bruichladdich simply launched Octomore sequence 15. We picked the cornerstone expression 15.1 for this assessment. It’s peated to 108.2 ppm and distilled from 100% Scottish Concerto barley. Maturation occurred in a mixture of first fill bourbon barrels and re-charred bourbon casks.
To your info 15.2 provides wine and cognac casks to the recipe. Octomore 15.3 is sort of a unique beast, peated to 307.2 ppm making it the second most closely peated launch to this point, matured in bourbon casks and Oloroso hogsheads.
Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1 5yo 2018 (59,1%, OB 2024, first-fill + recharred bourbon casks)
Nostril: toasted, charred notes somewhat than impolite peat. There’s additionally a number of creamy vanilla, even a buttery word, together with brighter citrus and aniseed. Additionally grassy and mossy notes, pears and possibly some white grapes. Bay leaves and hints of pepper, in addition to a floral geranium word. General maybe a little bit shy.
Mouth: extra ashy and earthy smoke now, virtually like mezcal at occasions. Quickly this mingles with some tannic notes and smoked meats, with cloves, hay and a delicate vanilla word. Then lemon and salt comes out, in addition to barely bitter walnuts and ginger. Slightly slim once more, missing a little bit of depth, regardless of a pleasant warming espresso word ultimately.
End: fairly lengthy, with a agency coastal footprint, together with candy charred oak, aniseed and lemon pith.
I anticipated a bit extra from a traditional bourbon matured Octomore, to be trustworthy. It feels fairly younger and slim, so I’d solely advocate it for those who’re in search of a peaty slap in your face. Actually rougher than different 5 year-old Octomores. Obtainable from The Whisky Trade or Tyndrum Whisky as an example.
