Octomore 11.3

Octomore 11.3, 5 YO, 61.7 %

I am a fan of Octomore whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery, and I must admit the .3 releases are of particular interest. 100 % Islay Barley, this time from Irene’s Field on the Octomore Farm. A vintage 2014 release, bottled 2020-07-07. Limited to 18000 bottles and peated to 194 ppm phenols.

Nose: Dry-ish at first. Dark chocolate and cocoa nibs. Hints of tropical fruit in the background. A rather shy nose. With time leather and hints of green herbs.

Taste: Full bodied and soft as silk. Earthy notes of black and white pepper, barbecued lemon and orange. Creamy vanilla with soot.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Chocolate, cacao nibs, cold brewed coffee and toasted oak. Rich, smoky, barbecued bacon. Pinch of salt in the end.

Comment: What’s not to love?!

Score 91/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas