Review #: 326
Description: Octomore 12.2
Spirit: Scotch
Background: Continuing with the newest Octomore releases, 12.2 is a 50/50 blend of first and second fill bourbon casks finished in first fill French Sauternes casks. Like 12.1 it is from 100% concerto barley grown in Scotland and was peated to 129.7 PPM. It was also aged for 5 years before bottling. Due to the continuing pandemic, 12.2 is available alongside the other interactions instead of it’s normal place as a travel retail exclusive.
Distillery – Bruichladdich
Bottler – Bruichladdich
Brand – Octomore
Selection – N/A
ABV – 57.3%
Age – 5 Years
Nose – Smoke is less overwhelming than 12.1 and more sharp and stinging, there is definitely more lemon citrus and dry wine character coming through, peppercorn, chocolate, brine, damp wood
Taste – A bit richer, fruit is present but light, strawberries, liquid smoke, vanilla
Finish – Smoked sea salt, cracked leather, black pepper, leaves the mouth a bit tacky
Score: 6
Would I buy a bottle? No, around $200 it’s still too much
Thoughts: The Sauternes finish definitely shows itself in a way that I enjoyed more than the .1, but the finish is a bit much for me with the salt and tackiness that just doesn’t jive a ton with me. It lives up to the Octomore name with it’s brashness and interesting concept, but other releases I’ve enjoyed more.