Distiller Notes
Nowhere is the dualism of the Octomore super heavily peated series more pertinent than in their .1 edition. Never as expected, delicate but powerful, this is unadulterated heavy smoke balanced with their vivacious and dynamic, fruity and floral distillate. While Octomore in itself does not conform to tradition, Head Distiller Adam Hannett is inclined to mature Octomore .1 editions solely in ex-American whiskey casks for 5 vibrant years. Octomore 12.1 is the necessary control for the rest of the series, as experiments within an experiment, but the 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.
Proof: 119.8
Professional Ratings
-
Whisky Advocate
Aged 5 years in American oak barrels, this one starts with a rush of peat bonfire, cayenne pepper, and paprika, along with saline minerality, dried seaweed, and aging brine. The palate is rich and spiced, but also smooth and deep, with smokiness and peat lingering in the background. Powerful, and definitely helped by a few drops of water. Superb length on a finish of vanilla, with loads of spice and red fruit.
Bruichladdich is a small, entrepreneurial distillery located on the remote Scottish island of Islay. Dedicated to the preservation of hand-distillation methods, Bruichladdich takes an approach of nonstop exploration of barley, peat and cask in its creation of diverse and innovative Single Malt whiskies.
Islay is a world-famous whisky destination, home to eight single malt distilleries renowned for Peated Single Malts. Located at the southernmost end of west scotland's hebridean archipelago, Islay enjoys a windswept, oceanic climate and a largely agricultural community, making it perfect for creating single malt whiskies. Built in 1881 by the three Harvey Brothers, Bruichladdich Distillery was the first purpose-built distillery on the island – the most progressive of its time.
Revived from closure in 2001 by two wine merchants, Bruichladdich Distillery has since been committed to the ideas of transparency and 'terroir' in Scotch; concentrating on the provenance of whisky's raw ingredients and the distillery's connection to the land. Sourcing all of its barley directly from Scottish farmers [rather than on the global commodities market], and warehousing and bottling all of its spirit onsite — Bruichladdich has cemented its reputation as a maverick young producer among Islay Distilleries.
Continuing to make whisky the old fashioned way today, Bruichladdich is the largest private employer on the island and provides nearly 100 full time jobs, putting the distillery at the heart of the regeneration of Islay’s small community.
100% conceived, distilled, matured & bottled only on Islay.
“A good gulp of hot Scotch Whisky at bedtime–it’s not very scientific, but it helps!”
Alexander Fleming, Scottish inventor of penicillin, prescribed it as a cure for the common cold. Today Single Malt Scotch Whiskies are prized by enthusiasts and aficionados the world over for their rarity, age and complexity. By definition these must be produced in Scotland from a single distillery and made entirely from malted barley, using a pot still. The appearance, aroma and flavor of a Single Malt Scotch Whisky can vary widely depending on whether it was produced in the Highlands, Lowlands Islands, Speyside, Islay or Campbelltown regions.