Bruichladdich Octomore 5 Year Old 2009 07.1/258 Ochdamh-mòr

Boy, I just tasted a grand Octomore (06.3) and am therefor somewhat hesitant to try another one, out of fear of it not being all it could be. But hey, everything for science, right? Tasting them head-to-head is fun, after all. So no more procrastinating! This Octomore is also five years old and matured solely on American Oak. PPM? 258, thank you very much.

Well, that nose is certainly pleasant enough. Lots of sweetness in the guise vanilla and… more vanilla. And coconut milk, truly! Then some farmer’s butter, shells on the beach and sweet peat. Hint of plasticine. Just a tiny salty edge. Some smoldering wood in the background. Not as complex as the 06.3, but a wonderful nose nonetheless, albeit quite different.

Oh, boy! The ABV is powerful indeed. Alcoholic peat bomb, if you ask me! Not much is left of that soft, sweet nose. Becomes rather astringent on lemon, peat, olive oil, ashes and tar with a big smokiness. A powerhouse, although somewhat one-dimensional.

The finish is long, warm, smoky… but a touch astringent.

The nose is my favorite part of this malt. Palate and finish: too sharp. Don’t get me wrong, still a nice Octomore. Thanks, Timon!

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