Bruichladdich Octomore 11.2 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Travel retail exclusive edition.

Defying expectations since it was created in 2002, Octomore remains one of the most intimidating whiskies to come out of Scotland. Famous for its extreme peat, way beyond the 30ppm classification for 'Heavily Peated" malt, Master Distiller Adam Hannett has joked that it’s Bruichladdich's most undrinkable whisky: "It’s too young, too strong and too peaty." The reality is that Octomores are often surprisingly accessible. Most taster's first impressions are along the lines of "It's not as peaty as I expected". The paradox is partly explained by Bruichladdich's tall, narrow stills which create a light, elegant spirit. The heavier phenols don't climb all the way to the top so they don’t make it into the heart cut. Anywhere else, a malt peated to higher than 80ppm would be hard to swallow. And while Octomore's are generally bottled young, they're matured for just enough time to integrate the oak and alcohol so that you get a peaty distillate that retains Bruichladdich's fruity, floral and slightly maritime character. Bring it all together and you get some of the most insanely complex and fascinating smokey expressions on the market.

For Australian fans, 11.2 will be something of a retro Octomore, originally released in October 2020 as a travel retail exclusive. Only tiny quantities have trickled into the country. Made from 100% Scottish-grown barley (Concerto & Propino) harvested in 2013 and distilled in winter 2014, peated to 139.6 ppm, the spirit was split into two parcels, both aged for five years, one of which was fully matured in ex-European oak wine barrels from Pauillac which made up 25% of the bottling. Parcel two initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks before being transferred to former Saint-Julien wine barrels from May 2018 to January 2020. The style here is described as restrained, brooding, dry and ashy, possibly due to the tannic influence of the wine cask. 58.6% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the producers... 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. Nose – 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. Palate – 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.