The 13.2 edition of Octomore from Bruichladdich is a superbly smoky Single Malt Scotch that has enjoyed its five year ageing period entirely in first fill Oloroso sherry butts, bringing waves of fruit and sweetness to the expressive Islay character.
The nose is of smoked almonds, with plenty of jammy, dried fruit character coming from the sherry. The earthy peat smoke has taken on a sweet, barbecue character, with spicy plum pudding, and oily orange zest. The palate leads with hickory smoke, almond brittle, candied citrus peels and warm spices building to a finish of campfires and forest floor, with sherry character lingering.
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. - Head Distiller Adam Hannett