Bruichladdich Octomore 12.1 (59.9% abv)

“Nowhere is the duality of our Octomore super heavily peated series more pertinent than in our 12.1 edition. Unexpected, delicate but powerful, this is unadulterated heavy smoke balanced with our vivacious fruity and floral distillate. While Octomore in itself does not conform to tradition, our Head Distiller Adam Hannett is inclined to mature Octomore .1 editions solely in ex-American whiskey casks for five vibrant years. Octomore 12.1 is the necessary control for the rest of the series, as experiments within an experiment, but our baseline should not be underestimated. Mainland grown Scottish barley is distilled in a patient and considered trickle. The stripped back maturation profile allows a sensory conversation that highlights the cereal-rich, malty notes of this barley-forward single malt. Vanilla, citrus and fudge culminate in an enigmatic challenge to received whisky wisdom. Vibrant, punchy and lively before opening up to reveal layers of complexity, instilled through slow distillation, careful maturation and cask selection. A dram that rewards those who seek to discover the mysterious, convention defying whisky that is Octomore.”

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Zesty citrus freshness and earthy peat smoke open to vanilla sponge cake and barley sugars with rich malt sweetness. Coconut, chocolate, vanilla and caramel follow and, as the aromas open further, cinder toffee, layers of peat smoke and honey come to the fore.

Palate: Peppery and sweet on the palate, with a smooth texture of warm golden syrup. Honey and peat smoke then move to fired oak chips and peaty apricot jam. Another sip brings malted barley sugars and straw, heather flower and a nutty nougat sweetness. A mineral sandy note sits on the palate and brings through a dry phenolic earthy smoke, with hints of orange zest and pear drops.

Finish: The finish brings salted caramel with floral and herbal notes. Honeysuckle, primrose and then, as ever, gentle peat smoke lingers.