Review #: 86
Description: Octomore 8.2
Spirit: Scotch
Background: Octomore is the “Super Heavily Peated” line from Bruichladdich, typically focusing on high peat levels in the malt, and typically pretty young age to highlight the smoke. Each release consists of 4 products: X.1 utilizing Scottish barley, X.2 utilizing wine casks and being a travel retail exclusive, X.3 uses exclusively Islay grown barley, and X.4 highlighting the use of virgin oak. 8.2 was aged for 8 years, the first six were spent in either French Mourvedre, Austrian Sweet Wines, or French Sauternes. Bottled without chillfiltration or added color, let’s see if this beast lives up to the reputation.
This review was done along with Laphroaig 10 CS and Ardbeg Uigeadail as a short “Islay” high proof series.
Distillery – Bruichladdich
Bottler – Bruichladdich
Brand – Octomore
Selection – N/A
ABV – 58.4%
Age – 8 Years
Nose – Grape jelly, smoked peaches, frosted flakes, cherry pie
Taste – Raspberry jam, vanilla frosting, little smoked black pepper, some fruity caramel in there?
Finish – More smoke and body come in, light bbq, sea salt, white wine, fresh bread
Score: 8
Would I buy a bottle? Yes
Thoughts: My first delve into the world of Octomore and on paper, I love their whole ethos and pushing the boundaries of what they can do with scotch. Different casks, high peat, not afraid to be young, and very transparent. Well this did not disappoint. The wine imparts some great sweetness that balances so well with the peat. The finish is like a good tennessee bbq sauce but the front end is dessert-like. Yet, it all works. I look forward to trying as many expressions as I can.