Bruichladdich Octomore 07.1 Scottish Barley

Bruichladdich Octomore 07.1 Scottish Barley, 5 YO, 59,5 %

Bruichladdich Octomore 07.1 Scottish Barley

Call the fire brigade! We have another Octomore on our hands! Finally the Bruichladdich Octomore 07.1 Scottish Barley is here. Strangely enough the distillery released the 07.2 months before the 07.1 hit the shelves. Probably some strange logistics snag somewhere in the intricate release process.

If you want to know more about the Octomore series you will find a summary in my review of the Octomore 07.2.

The Octomore 07.1 is peated to a phenol level of 208, which is insanely high, but not the highest for the series. This peat level is measured in the malt, however, so fear not. The whisky in your bottle will not have anywhere near as high a peat level, but it is still a heavily peated whisky.

Nose (23/25): Soft barley notes and lots of sweet fruit. Oh, and a bit of peat. A massive bit of peat, actually! It is a heavy hitter, but it has a gentle heart and a soft spirit. Chocolate and fresh licorice. Comparing it head to head with the Octomore 06.1, I find the 06.1 to be slightly sulphury on the nose, more youngish and less sweet.

Taste (22/25): Peppery and smoky. It is full of life, lots of warmth, but it is tempered and held in check by the same sweet fruitiness that I found on the nose. The 07.1 is more full-bodied and has a better balance than the 06.1.

Finish (22/25): Lots of ashes, hot embers and glowing hot pieces of coal. Oily mouthfeel. Rich and fruity honey, mixed with a very unhealthy caramel sauce.

Balance (23/25): One of the better Octomores of the past 2-3 years. I love these rough rascals!

Score (90/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas