Bruichladdich Octomore 08.2 Masterclass Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

At eight years of age, 8.2 in the Masterclass edition arrives with a slightly lower peating than some of the others in the series (167ppm). The cask regime is also unusual: Ex French red wine casks that previously held Mourvedre – a varietal noted for intense red fruit flavours, edging towards earthy, even gamey notes. Also in the mix were x-Austrian sweet wine and x Sauternes casks that previously held some of the world's most revered dessert wines. Finally, to round things off, the whisky was finished (or as Bruichladdich call it: "ACEd") in fresh Amarone casks for an additional two years. Otherwise exclusive to Travel Retail, we've managed to secure a small volume for Octomore completionists.

Notes from Bruichladdich... Nose: Peat smoke comes first but not dominant, there is red fruit, aniseed and barley sugar/boiled sweets. Smoke weaves between the other notes as they come, stewed apple, raspberry, blackcurrant, dried apricots and chocolate. Orange, mince pies and Turkish delight hint at the cask history then cherry wafers and coconut open out to floral notes of hay, geranium and Parma violets. Taste: Warming and sweet, deep fruit and satin-like smoke. The oak feels a little dry then lifts to become toasted bread, bubble-gum sweetness and strawberry Jam. Adding a drop or two of water opens up the Islay DNA of salt spray, ozone and citrus. As it opens you find rose petal, Turkish delight, praline and more strawberry jam, all the while the smoke is in the background holding everything together. Finish: Typical Octomore. Smoke comes through, a dry peat smoke, with malted barley and cherry, then goes out on its own. 58.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.