Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 15.1 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
(Islay, Scotland) - [WA 94]

Notes from the Distillery:
The first expression in our 15th annual series, this is an Octomore that is distinctive with its sleek, elegant style and extraordinary strength of character. It is a ‘no frills’ single malt Scotch whisky – open, honest and exceptionally clean. Earthy peat smoke is beautifully balanced with sweet, charred oak, resulting in an unforgettable dram.

The backbone of each Octomore series, the 15.1 is the necessary comparison from which the other expressions oscillate.

Laying bare the profound influence of high intensity peat smoke, the spirit has matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and re-charred ex bourbon casks, mindfully extracting as much character from the wood as possible. The result is a raw and uncompromising single malt whisky which demonstrates Octomore’s refined strength of character, balancing smooth vanilla custard and sweet charred oak with heady peat smoke.

Specifications:

Tasting Notes

Color: Winter Sun

Nose: Caramel and vibrant citrus open on the nose, delicately wrapped in Octomore’s dry, earthy peat smoke. Spicy aniseed, vanilla and smooth custard follow, with a tropical fruit, geranium and a hint of ginger complementing the sweet malt.

Palate: Immediate heat on the palate is balanced with sweet dry malt and earthy smoke. A refreshing medley of mango, banana and apricot jam cuts through the heady peat, beautifully rounded with vanilla custard and toffee. A drop of water allows the smoke to open and brings subtle marine notes and warm sand.

Finish: Peat smoke, vanilla and sweet charred oak settle on the finish, with a fresh marine crispness.

Awards/Reviews:

94 Points - Whisky Advocate

"Bruichladdich’s ultra-peated Octomore consistently delivers refined iterations of Islay smoke, and the first single malt in its 15th release is no exception. The nose is wrapped in smoke, bringing to mind a barbecue with all its charcoal, hot dog, meatloaf glaze, and ketchup sweetness. Smoke drifts by on the palate, joined here by white pepper, crème brûlée, and toasted sugar. A surprising hint of mint on the finish, though it’s soon overtaken by ash and grilled meat."

 "Oaky, smoky, and toasty on the nose, with overtones of beef barbecue and black pepper. Vanilla and some banana fruit notes are secreted into the experience. Quite toasty and tannic on the palate, with growing notes of smoked meats and fresh, green grass. The fruit is muted and tamped down, though the banana quality creeps into focus with time, paired with a nutty green walnut character. Smoky, charry bonfire notes are never far from reach, the finish ringed with saline and notes of wet wood."

-Drinkhacker

"A mix of floral and campfire smoke on the nose. The wood here delivers a sweet barbecue note full of vanilla, toffee, coconut, custard and malt, with some slightly fruity and tropical notes on the finish and offers a bit of salinity. It’s complex and delicious."

-InsideHook