Octomore 2010 Edition 07.3 5 yo

 

 

 

63°

Distillery : Bruichladdich - Islay

Bourbon Barrels and Ribera del Duero Wine Casks

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2015 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 169 ppm

 

 

 

The 3rd version of Octomore's 7th Batch has been produced from barley grown at Octomore Farm, in the small parcel named Lorgba. This is the 2nd edition of Octomore Islay Barley, made entirely on the island, from harvest to bottling. The influence of Spanish wine casks is new compared to the 06.3. The number of bottles produced is not known, but should exceed 20,000.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The influence of the wine casks is immediately noticeable, with a satiny, resinous aroma of wood and white plum, slightly acidic apple and a hint of vanilla. With the addition of water, the fruits explode, white grapes, greengages and gooseberries. The smoke is behind, imposing itself slowly, until it becomes suffocating. It balances out beautifully after a while. Earth, cereals, more wheat than barley. A pinch of salt. Sandalwood, Armenian paper. Quite sweet at the end, rum baba, marzipan.
The palate is very peaty, marshy, spicy, pepper, ginger, nutmeg, but the fruits return fairly quickly, juicy mirabelles, conference pears. Very accomplished finish, long, slightly lemony, dust and dry earth, it's liquorish, a drop of caramel. Charcoal.

 

In Short, 

Very interesting, and of course excellent. The wine casks bring a more complex nose, but a sweeter palate than the 06.3. I can understand why some people were disappointed by this edition, as the wineiness makes it something much less radical and earthy. For me, it's a lovely experience, but not the best Octomore. The price means it should be reserved for enthusiasts and spenders.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                          To Be Listened While Sipping :

   

                                          Thin Lizzy - Cowboy Song