Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2

Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2, 5 YO, 57.3 %

Matured in a combination of 1st and 2nd fill American oak ex-whiskey casks which were vatted together in 2019 and finished in 1st fill French oak ex-Sauternes wine casks. This Octomore release is peated to 129.7 ppm phenols.

This from the official product page:

“This Octomore 12.2 would spend three and a half years in ex-American oak casks, building a solid foundation of fruity and floral spirit in our lochside warehouses before being recasked in to impeccable quality Sauternes casks. The pivotal role of the Sauternes casks would add 18 months of supercharged fruit.”

The legendary Octomore 4.2 Comus was also matured in ex-Sauternes wine casks (see review).

The Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2 is available to buy in Norway at NOK 2102 (13709001).

Nose: Sublime sweet peat. Bread crust, orchard fruits, and a big cuddly bear of wood smoke. With time a deeper sweetness - honey and rich caramel, and a fruitiness that turns more tropical.

Taste: Super smooth and full bodied. The honey from the nose is way more pronounced now. Semi dry with notes of pepper, aniseed and earthy ginger. Exotic, mixed spices. Tropical fruits in the background. Sugary and mildly tannic smokiness.

Finish: Medium long. Much the same, and that’s plenty for me. Some added citrus in the bouquet of fruits. Notes of salty licorice. The super rich and delightful sweetness promised by the Sauternes casks really shine in the end. Love it!

Comment: Just give me the bottle, will you!

Score 90/100

Remember to check out my massive Octomore Guide.

Sláinte!
-Thomas