Bruichladdich Octomore 06.1 5 Year Old (70cl, 57%)

Tasting Notes

COLOUR: Golden autumn yellow

NOSE: This dram has that classic Islay nose. Smoke, ash, and peat assault the senses. You can sense the heavy peat from a mile away. It’s big and bold. It’s rich and complex. There are notes of seaweed and salt, iodine and medicinal notes balanced with honey, cinnamon and vanilla.

PALATE:  The smoke, ash and peat continue on the palate. There is a honey sweetness that lingers with hints of pepper, cinnamon and sea air.  John described it as”… The boldness on the nose climbs into your mouth with a vengeance.

After drinking this dram, I feel like heading out to sea to catch herring – or to invade France. It’s that kind of a dram. It’s big in the mouth, soil and tar on the tongue…”  Water soothes the ash and peat a little and brings the sweetness forward.

FINISH: It has a dry finish with peat, pepper and honey.  John was lyrical about this dram and he described the finish as “…the finish hangs around like aunt Sally after Christmas dinner. Like her, it refuses to leave. Unlike her, it’s welcome to stay. The ending is charcoal and tar poles. I’ve never tasted tar poles – and thanks to this dram I now have no need. It’s just brilliant.”