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Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 7.1 Aged 5 Years

Stunning Octomore

0 995

@talexanderReview by @talexander

5th Mar 2016

0

Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 7.1 Aged 5 Years
  • Nose
    24
  • Taste
    24
  • Finish
    23
  • Balance
    24
  • Overall
    95

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

This sample comes from my lovely girlfriend Pamela Singh, from a bottle she got for Christmas (hmmmm.....wonder who gave it to her?) I think that bottle was opened early January.

As you may know, Octomore is the "super-heavily peated" expression of Bruichladdich, bottled at cask strength. Like everything else that comes from that distillery, it is non-chill-filtered and non-coloured. This one, 07.1, was distilled from Scottish barley (from the mainland, not Islay) and peated to 208 ppm. It is five years old.

The colour is a medium straw (kind of like wet hay). Beautiful peat on the nose, with lemon zest, black liquorice and sea spray - there is an ocean-fresh-air component to this, like standing on an Islay beach, that is pretty amazing (I know that sounds like something they would write on the website, but it's true). Fresh herb garden. Some vanilla. If you like oily fish, you'll love this. Buttered croissants. Even at this high strength, it doesn't need water - but if you add some, you get more minerals and smoke. The citrus fruit and peat wrap around each other perfectly.

On the palate there is a lot more lemon - quite mouth-puckering. Lots of peat smoke, of course, and in extremely intense quantities, but it's delicious. Oily mouthfeel. Nice, crisp sweetness. You get the wood, but only just. It still has some liquorice there, but with a hint of dark chocolate. Oiler with water, which also brings out more lemon. Absolutely stunning.

The long finish is full of brine, minerals and smoke. This is one of the best Octomores I've ever had (though I guess I'd need to taste them side-by-side to really know, since I probably say that every time I taste one). Bright, fresh, peaty and completely delicious.

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9 comments

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

It's always a treat to have a sip of an Octomore. I never know when the right time will be to open mine.

How has the bottle changed since opening?

8 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

I don't know, today was the first time I've tried it!

8 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

Thanks @talexander for reviewing this heavily-peated youngster. We don't get enough Octomore on this site (mea culpa). I haven't met an Octomore I didn't like. expensive, but well worth the price. Excellent craftmanship. Age isn't always an indication of brilliance.

8 years ago 0

@Jonesz
Jonesz commented

@paddockjudge I still remember the sample of Comus 4.2 that you sent tome. One of the highlights of my whisky journey so far.Next time I get to Alberta I must try find another Octomore. None here in Manitoba

8 years ago 0

s
stavanger commented

Im half way through a 7.1 - much better than I expected. Although much peatier in absolute terms i find it contrasts hugely with traditional peaty Islays like Laphroaig and Ardbeg, which tend to have much tangier pungent noses than the Octomore. I found the nose really surprising, I was expecting it to really have a kick on the nose, but it doesn't, not to the extent I expected. But, where the peat smokiness really dominates is on the palate, rich, thick and oily smoke and a very long finish revealing a delicate wood. It works very well with a drop of good rye whiskey as well. Cant recommend highly enough and i agree with paddockjudge, that although expensive, its worth it - a unique experience

8 years ago 0

@paddockjudge
paddockjudge commented

@Jonesz,

The finest ingredients, a narrow cut, high quality oak, and masterful selection of casks makes Octomore a dream dram...otherwise every distiller would be bottling magnificent 5 year-old whisky, and we aren't seeing that. This is extra-special juice.

4.2 is one of my favourite single malts. This one is worth a try if @talexander has pegged it at 95.

8 years ago 0

@Robert99
Robert99 commented

@Talexander How would you compare the 7.2 to 7.1?

8 years ago 0

@talexander
talexander commented

@Robert99 - I'm not really sure, I'd have to try them side by side. Probably very close though.

8 years ago 0

@Robert99
Robert99 commented

@Talexander Thanks for your quick answer. I just received two Octomore that I bought from Alberta, the 6.3 and 7.1. I have take two drams from the 6.3, the first one was of stellar quality, the second was excellent. I know I didn't have the same palate on the two nights, so I am waiting for a few more drams before passing a judgement. I have take a sip from the 7.1, maybe a third of a regular pour because that was the end of the night. It was not enough to have a good idea and I was tired but my first impression is that the 6.3 is way bigger than the 7.1 but maybe not as complex. With time I wouldn't be surprise that they go in opposite direction, 6.3 going downward and 7.1 going upward. Will see.

8 years ago 0