Bruichladdich Octomore 12.3 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Octomore 12.3 leaves the series on an unusual note for 2021 with a mix of ex-Bourbon barrels (75%) this time coupled with ex-PX sherry (25%) casks. Sherry maturation is a first for Octomore. According to one blogger, "They don’t avoid it because they don’t like it, but because they’re picky about casks. Most sherry casks these days are just “sherry treated” casks and not true sherry casks, and Bruichladdich won’t use “sherry treated”. This is why sherried, OB, Bruichladdich is so rare. This all changed when they partnered with the Fernando De Castilla bodega and began gaining access to true sherry casks. Casks FDC only lets go of once they’re done being used in their solera which does mean there isn’t exactly a plethora of them on the market but does mean the quality is pretty high."  (thewhiskyjug.com)

A five year old distilled in the winter of 2015 from a 2014 harvest of 'Octomore Farm' grown Concerto barley, peated to 118.1ppm and bottled at natural strength without chill filtration, according to Bruichladdich, the sweet sherry casks bring a luxurious dried fruit style to the malt, layering beautifully with the rich phenols and light marine notes. Collectors be aware - this is one of the smallest Australian allocations of Octomore on record, so be quick off the mark. 62.1% Alc./Vol. Note: The Octomore range often arrive in to our store suffering from minor damage in transit. This is out of our control. When we dispatch to you we will re-pack to avoid further damage in transit but you should allow for possible dents and scratches to the metal tins.

Notes from Bruichladdich... AROMA – Light sherry notes of fig, raisin and dates with charcoal, boot polish smoky notes set the tone for this dram. Light, fresh citrus honey notes from the spirit, intense floral notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom burst from the glass and then dark toffee, milk chocolate and vanilla from the oak add depth to the aromas. Smoked grain, seaweed, linseed oil and tobacco come as the whisky continues to open.

TASTE – Peppery nasturtium flowers, dark chocolate, earthy peat smoke and those sherry fruits rush across the palate at first. The Peat smoke and the dried fruit dominate and then comes the barley sugar and charred oak, releasing those rich toffee and tobacco notes. Sweet pastry and toasted grain then more sooty earthy peat smoke. FINISH – Charcoal, soot and dried figs. Salted lemons and bitter chocolate.