Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 13.2 Scotch Whisky 700ml

Following a similar path to the Octomore 13.1, this 13.2 edition is also distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland barley and has been malted to the same 137.3PPM. However, the entire maturation in first fill Oloroso sherry butts from Jerez, Spain, offers a unique opportunity to compare the two spirits - with the sherry influence beautifully complementing the smoke and vibrancy of the single malt.

Using the same batch of super-heavily peated barley for both the 13.1 and 13.2 provides a fascinating insight in to the influence different cask types have on our Octomore spirit, with the maritime tang of Islay maturation complemented by nut, orange and dried fruit notes of the Oloroso sherry. At Fernando de Castilla, the Jerez based bodega these casks hail from, these casks have previously held sherry that is crafted under the same guiding principles inherent to Bruichladdich Distillery – with quality, the craft of the maker, and exceptional flavour in mind.

The 13.2 edition of Octomore from Bruichladdich is a superbly smoky Single Malt Scotch that has enjoyed its five year ageing period entirely in first fill Oloroso sherry butts, bringing waves of fruit and sweetness to the expressive Islay character.
The nose is of smoked almonds, with plenty of jammy, dried fruit character coming from the sherry. The earthy peat smoke has taken on a sweet, barbecue character, with spicy plum pudding, and oily orange zest. The palate leads with hickory smoke, almond brittle, candied citrus peels and warm spices building to a finish of campfires and forest floor, with sherry character lingering.

There’s a beautiful influence from the full-term maturation in these first fill Oloroso sherry butts. They’ve matured in the dunnage warehouses in the village of Port Charlotte, and the combination of cask and a slow and cold maturation has really accentuated the salty tang of the spirit. - Head Distiller Adam Hannett