A GATHERING OF OCTOMORE

FOR PEAT’S SAKE! (apologies…)

As the fug of smoke clears, a bottle stands tall and proud on the horizon, resplendent in matt black – Octomore – the super peated single malt.

Fans of the peat will be well aware of this smoky monster, and those who shy away from Islay malt will cower from it in fear. Where George T Stagg is as big as Bourbon gets, Octomore takes the mantle for Scotch whisky; cask strength and supercharged with peat smoke, big is as accurate a description as you can give it.

We always get requests for this smoldering megadon and usually we only have availability close to release dates. However, for once the stars have aligned and we have an unprecedented four expressions for sale. From recent releases through to an exceptional independent bottling, your peat cravings can finally be satisfied!

SMOKE ON THE WATER

Bruichladdich Octomore 6.1 Scottish Barley, 57%

On its release this single malt held the record for the peatiest whisky produced, that is until Bruichladdich went and broke their own record! As you might expect this malt has notes of coal, rich peat and even a hint of parmesan. Despite its extraordinary peating level there is a sense of poise and balance. With a little time in the glass and a splash of water, gentler notes of kiwi fruit and barley join the symphony of flavour.  £94.25

Bruichladdich Octomore 6.3 Islay Barley, 64.5%

With a volcanic peat leavel of 258ppm this Octomore is BIG (record breakingly so!) but again with more balance than you would expect. In the words of our shop manager this Octomore “Floats like a butterfly, stings like a brick in a brioche bun!” (he doesn’t get out much…). Weighing in at 64.5%abv it takes water like there’s no tomorrow if you are so inclined.£150 

Bruichladdich Octomore 7.1 Scottish Barley, 59.5%

A recent release of the Bruichladdich behemoth that is Octomore. Like all that have come before it this Octomore offers masses of smoky peat with a sweeter undercurrent. This bad boy rocks in with a hearty ppm of 208, with earthy peat on the nose (surprise surprise) followed by touches of apple, caramel and grist. Well structured, rolling peat smoke and cask strength, there isn’t much not to like! £107.95

 Bruichladdich Octomore 6 Year Old, Sauternes Cask, Rest & Be Thankful, 64%

We haven’t seen much independently bottled Octomore around so we were pretty chuffed to find this little number from the Rest And Be Thankful Whisky Company. Excitingly this has been matured in ex-Sauternes casks which lend this monster a wonderful honeyed character! The sweet wine cask maturation seems to tame the peat without swallowing it, and nicely demonstrates the wider potential of this infamous Islay malt! £184.95