The Bruichladdich Octomore single malts have defied conventional wisdom since they were first distilled in 2002.
This Bruichladdich Octomore 11.1 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky iteration explores a different realm of ‘softer smoke’. Bruichladdich pride themselves on each Octomore release offering complexity, layers, and an endlessly alluring smoke.
Distilled from Scottish barley in 2014, Octomore 11.1 is the benchmark of the 10s series. For reference, Octomore numbers ending in the ".1" denote production from Scottish Barley. The Octomore 11.1 is deliberately stripped back to an ex- American oak maturation, aged for only 5 years, the .1 edition exposes the structure and presence of the Octomore spirit. Combining smoke with a modest maturation, this 11.1 first and foremost demonstrates the true potential of a considered, patient distillation.
The Bruichladdich Octomore 11.1 Scotch Whisky was malted to 139.6ppm (peat), and distilled in 2014 from 2013 harvest of 100% Scottish grown concerton Barley, before maturation for 5 years on islay in 1st fill American ex-bourbon casks. The Whisky is bottled without chill-filtration and no colour added. The whisky is bottled at a cask strength of 59.4% and limited to only 30,000 bottles produced.
Tasting notes from the team at Bruichladdich:
CHARACTER – Lithe, sleek with intense earthy peat notes, balanced by the presence malt sugar, vanilla and oak. The scents of Islay in a glass – the ozone fragrance of the sea, bog myrtle from the moss and peat smoke in the cold night air and at the heart of it all a warmth that brings harmony to the whole.
AROMA – Initial notes of Lemon, wet peat, pencil shavings, and a salty minerality. Peach yoghurt, cinder toffee, rubbery smokey almost antiseptic notes come from the peat smoke, well balanced with the green fruit and malty notes coming through the spirit. Honey, malt sugar, dried grass, come through with time with a little hint of ginger and wood spice.
TASTE – Brown sugar sweetness hits the palate initially. The chilli heat of high strength carries the Octomore DNA across the palate, it is clean, supple in texture and has a complex combination of flavours rushing for attention. Another taste and stone fruit, apricot, that peach yoghurt come to the fore and then the cask influence appears with sweet vanilla, toasted oak, brown sugar and soft toffee. The maritime notes, the minerality and citrus all weave the Bruichladdich DNA through the flavour profile bonding the sense of place and identity in this dram.
FINISH – Malt, huge Peat notes, earthy and oily, tar and bonfires. Vanilla honey, ginger spice and syrupy sweetness.
COLOUR – Lemon.
59.4% ABV, 700mL
