Bruichladdich "Octomore" Edition 15.2 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
(Islay, Scotland) - [WA 93]

Notes from the Distillery:
The initial maturation in American oak, before finishing in French oak ex-Cognac casks, adds a wealth of complexity to Octomore 15.2. Demonstrating the finesse quality oak has on the final spirit, the 15.2 is simultaneously powerful yet elegant, with the delicate floral character of the whisky coming to the fore. The softness of the oak is unmissable on the palate, working with the spirit’s mineral quality and dry peat smoke beautifully.

Octomore 15.2 offers an intriguing and inviting comparison to the 15.1.

Distilled from the same batch of Scottish grown barley, also malted to 108.22 PPM, the 15.2 uses a combination of second fill wine and second fill Bourbon casks, with the spirit finished in first fill Cognac casks. This unique trifecta of casks adds complexity while retaining an elegant single malt Scotch whisky.

Specifications:

Tasting Notes

Color: Hebridean Sand

Nose: Sweet citrus, lime zest and lemon meringue pie open on the nose, followed by toasted oak and a hint of earthy smoke. A medley of tropical fruit enhances the vibrancy of the single malt whisky, balanced with woody spices, smoked honey, toasted bread, and roasted coffee. 

Palate: Viscous in texture, the sumptuously smooth spirit brings vanilla custard, caramel, toffee and a crack of black pepper. Charred oak, cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg provide added depth with pear drops and dried apricot cutting through Octomore’s inimitable peat smoke. 

Finish: An unmistakable maritime quality lands on a finish, with waves of salt spray settling on the palate while peat embers linger. 

Awards/Reviews:

93 Points - Whisky Advocate

"The second in the set of three Octomore annual releases, matured in second-fill bourbon and wine barrels and finished in cognac casks. Generous but very balanced aromas of peat smoke, lilac, dried seaweed, sea shells, and grape hard candy. It serves up flavors of peat embers, lemon, chocolate, muted oak, and heat. A spicy, lemony finish also brings more maritime notes and salinity, plus vanilla and earthy oak."

 "Sharp and fruity on the nose, with a sweetness that, when paired with the peat, evokes notes of grilled peaches. That banana is still there, as is a tropical mix of pineapple and coconut, plus some soothing almond butter notes on top. Sweet and smoky on the palate, in equal measure: more of that grilled fruit, nutty almond husks, then a smattering of green herbs. Increasingly peppery on the finish, with an echo of barbecued beef. A light touch of raisin evokes the Cognac cask, but it’s never in-your-face in the slightest, just a gentle touch of grape jam and a hint of lavender, set against the backdrop of the sea. A killer whisky." -Drinkhacker

"This one is more tropical and herbal than 15.1, with a smoky citrus palate and notes of toasted oak, cinnamon, coffee and chocolate." - InsideHook