Octomore Edition 12.2

Description

A bold, peaty single malt from experimental Islay distillery Bruichladdich’s Octomore series, Edition 12.2 has been matured initially in a combination of first and second-fill ex-American whiskey casks and finished in first-fill French oak Sauternes casks for 18 months. The palate offers notes of melon, white peach, honeysuckle and coconut, all wrapped in notes of phenolic malt and savoury peat smoke.

Making a statement in its surprising pairing and balance of sweet and smoky, this Octomore 12.2 spent three and a half years in ex-American oak casks, building a solid foundation of fruity and floral spirit in the lochside warehouses before being recasked in to impeccable quality Sauternes casks.

The pivotal role of the Sauternes casks add 18 months of supercharged fruit. Melon, white peach, honeysuckle and coconut add a real twist and sweetness to compliment the peat smoke of this heavily phenolic malt.

Tasting Notes:

Character: The Sauternes casks bring another dimension to the vitality of Octomore. The honey-soaked fruit and dry smoke work beautifully together; that classic combination of smoke and sweet fruit coming to the fore.

Colour: Amber

Nose: Notes of melon, honey and smoked almonds can be found on the nose. Toasted oak and earthy smoke are held back by layers of fruit and honey, opening up to orange peel, peaches, ripe sweet melon, lemon and honey – all wrapped in a malted grain sweetness. Dried apple and pear drops come next with a wave of peat smoke and toasted oak, releasing earthy and pine resin notes.

Palate: Lusciously soft and sweet, fruit sweeps across the palate with bursts of lemon zest, vanilla, melon and orange blossom. Another sip highlights the structure the French oak brings with caramel, baking spices and a touch of dryness, carrying the smoke and the malt sweetness. The presence of ripe fruit drizzled in sweet syrup speaks of the influence of the Sauternes casks.

Finish: On the finish, a salty lemon tang arrives as the fruit and oak subtly fade. Earthy peat smoke moves in to dominate the finish and stamp the Octomore DNA on this dram.