Bruichladdich Octomore 10.3 Islay Barley Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml
Distilled in 2013 from the 2012 harvest, the Octomore 10.3 has been brought home by farmer James Brown. Taking on the challenge of growing Islay Barley, he braces the conditions of the wet and wild west coast to combine an exploration of Islay terroir and stratospheric smoke. For the first time, the .3 is matured for six aged years but crucially only in ex-American oak.
The resulting whisky is pale straw in colour. Aromas of earthy peat smoke, dry and a little medicinal, lemon drops, and thyme come through, followed by marine, sea shell notes along with some vanilla and fudge from the oak. Salt on the lips and more honey and lemon on the palate, then the peat sweeps in with the oak and heat from the high strength. Deeper flavours from the spirit, pear and gooseberry are more defined and richer.
The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Islay
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 61.3%