Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2

Octomore 12.2 follows in the footsteps of previous Sauternes legends. The now infamous Octomore 4.2 (Comus) became one of the most acclaimed and sought- after whiskies in their distillery’s portfolio, confirming that heavy peat smoke combined with sweet dessert wine of Sauternes is an incredible pairing. This Octomore 12.2 would spend three and a half years in ex-American oak casks, building a solid foundation of fruity and floral spirit in their lochside warehouses before being recasked in to impeccable quality Sauternes casks. The pivotal role of the Sauternes casks would 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.

Malted to 129.7 PPM
Distilled in 2015 from the 2014 harvest of 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley
MATURATION PROFILE: A 50/50 combination of 1st and 2nd fill American whiskey casks which were vatted together in 2019 and finished in first fill French sauterne wine casks
Matured entirely on Islay for five aged years
Bottled unchill-filtered and colouring free at Bruichladdich Distillery
Bottled at 57.3% alc./vol

Tasting notes:
CHARACTER – The Sauternes casks brings 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 delivers beautifully again.

AROMA – Beautiful notes of melon, honey and smoked almonds initially. Toasted oak and earthy smoke are held back by layers of fruit and honey. There is orange peel, peaches, ripe sweet melon, a lemon and honey combination 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.

TASTE – Lusciously soft and sweet as the fruit sweeps across the palate, lemon zest and vanilla pods come to the fore with 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. Always the presence of ripe fruit drizzled in syrup speaks of the influence of the Sauternes casks.

FINISH – On the finish, a salty lemon tang arrives as the fruit and oak fade a little. That lovely earthy peat smoke moves in to dominate the finish and stamp the Octomore DNA all over this dram.

COLOUR – Amber.