Bruichladdich Octomore 13.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL

Following a similar path to the Octomore 13.1, this 13.2 edition is also distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland barley and has been malted to the same 137.3PPM. However, the entire maturation in first fill Oloroso sherry butts from Jerez, Spain, offers a unique opportunity to compare the two spirits - with the sherry influence beautifully complementing the smoke and vibrancy of the single malt.

Using the same batch of super-heavily peated barley for both the 13.1 and 13.2 provides a fascinating insight in to the influence different cask types have on our Octomore spirit, with the maritime tang of Islay maturation complemented by nut, orange and dried fruit notes of the Oloroso sherry.

At Fernando de Castilla, the Jerez based bodega these casks hail from, these casks have previously held sherry that is crafted under the same guiding principles inherent to Bruichladdich Distillery – with quality, the craft of the maker, and exceptional flavour in mind.

Speaking of their importance on this particular Octomore single malt, Head Distiller Adam Hannett notes, “There’s a beautiful influence from the full-term maturation in these first fill Oloroso sherry butts. They’ve matured in the dunnage warehouses in the village of Port Charlotte, and the combination of cask and a slow and cold maturation has really accentuated the salty tang of the spirit.”

Tasting Notes:

Colour: Burnt orange

Nose: Highly aromatic, this dram opens with a nutty, salty smoke with milk chocolate and leathery tobacco. The Oloroso casks have shaped this whisky with a rich syrupy orange and grapefruit citrus, along with hints of clove and cinnamon with walnut and praline. As it opens further, brown sugar, raisins, dried apple, melon and ripe pears come to the fore, with gentle peat smoke beautifully interwoven.

Palate: There is a wonderful viscosity and presence on the palate. Notes of smoked nuts and leather, warm orange marmalade on fresh scones. Dried apricot and hints of peppery spice toward the finish.

Finish: Earthy peat smoke comes to the fore with a little time, along with the fruit and nutty aromatics of the oloroso casks. A salty tang of sea breeze creates a lively combination of flavours to finish.