The Bruichladdich Octomore single malts have defied conventional wisdom since they were first distilled in 2002.

This Bruichladdich Octomore 11 series 10 year old (aka 11.4) Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky iteration explores a 'smoke’ in a different way than the rest of the series. Starting out life distilled at a higher peat level than the remainder of the series, the 10 year old begins with a level of 208ppm. The extra time in barrel however softens this peat out resulting in a calmer, softer whisky. Bruichladdich pride themselves on each Octomore release offering complexity, layers, and an endlessly alluring smoke.

Distilled from Scottish barley in 2009, Octomore the 10 year old is the pinnacle of the 11s series, malted to 208ppm (peat), and distilled in 2009 from 2008 harvest of 100% Scottish grown optic Barley, before maturation for 10 years on Islay in a combination of virgin oak and first and second fill ex-bourbon casks form Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace and Jack Daniels. The Whisky is bottled without chill-filtration and no colour added. The whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 54.3% and limited to only 12,000 bottles produced.

Tasting notes from the team at Bruichladdich:

CHARACTER – Grown up Octomore, relaxed and refined, with age we lose some of the vitality but develop a sense of calm and deep complexity.

AROMA – Wonderful Bouquet of Peat and fruit. Nectarine and citrus fruits with hints of pineapple and mango, a depth of rich sweetness and complexity. Vanilla and oak sugar, nutty and vibrant. With age the fruit comes through so well, and the depth of flavour is wonderful, more exotic fruits and that citrus and minerality character which is the DNA of our spirit.

TASTE – Wonderful salty tang on the lips, leading into a viscous and honey like texture. Beautiful fruit notes and sweet oak make this a joy to hold on the palate, the peach, ripe pineapple and mango, dried apricot and peach notes are beautifully weighed against the smoke and oak, the extra age and combination of casks bring a level of maturity to this expression of Octomore that gives a new dimension to our understanding of this exceptional single malt

FINISH – Oak driven, coconut, tobacco, vanilla, then smoke. The time in the cask has calmed the smoke, both through the phenols lowering naturally over time and the influence of the oak becoming greater.

COLOUR – Gold.

54.3% ABV, 700mL