Bruichladdich Octomore 11.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Parcel One makes up 25% of the final composition. It was matured full term in ex-European oak casks, hailing from the Pauillac region of France. The winemaker is known to blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot varieties, and the casks therefore impart a strong influence on the final round and rich character of this 11.2 spirit.

Parcel Two makes up 75% of the final composition. It was first filled into ex-American oak before being transferred into casks from the St Julien region of France. It would mature in these exquisite ex-Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques, known for their rich aromatic youthfulness, from May 2018 to January 2020. It would be married with Parcel One for the final months of its life.

Tasting Notes:

Character: Round and rich, well balanced and well-aged in superb oak. A focus on the maturation to bring a wonderful combination of the fruit alongside the smoke.

Aroma: Rich Oak, dried fruit, citrus and smoke initially. Behind come maritime notes and sweet toasted oak and malt sugar. As the dram opens the dried sweet fruit comes to the fore, the dry Octomore smoke comes with it but overall, figs, dried apricot and cherry dominate.

Taste: Superb texture, soft and gentle but holds the high strength perfectly, allowing the richness and complexity stand out. the rich French oak brings beautiful sweetness and structure, toasted nuts, oak sugar, chocolate and toffee, the dried fruit is again sweet and rich and alongside the citrus and honey notes a unique harmony develops. Then to mention the smoke, on the plate, it is held in check initially, but always has a presence in the back, dark and brooding, ready to come through on the finish.

Finish: The finish is rubbery smoke, a little antiseptic and dry, in fact you can feel a little dryness on the palate now, the fruit notes fade and the smoke and oak head on, leaving a huge presence behind.

Colour: Copper.