Bruichladdich Octomore 10.3 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Volume: 700ml ABV: 61.3% Age: 6 Years Old Country: Scotland PPM:114
Built in 1881 when puffer-supplied coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, it is likely that Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. The great Alfred Barnard supports this view with a tantalising clue – the Laddie is the only distillery on Islay that he does not describe as drying its malt using peat in his fascinating exploration of the island’s distilleries in 1885. Sadly, none of that 19th century spirit survives, but the original Victorian machinery has allowed an unparalleled legacy of craft distilling to trickle down through the generations of men who make this sophisticated Islay dram. It was in 1994 that the Bruichladdich distillery closed for a significant period of time. No one knew if this modern distillery would reopen its doors and see spirits start to flow through the stills again. A period in the whisky industry that will not be forgotten for years to come.
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. Malted to 114PPM, for the first time the .3 is matured for six aged years but crucially only in ex-American oak. These top-quality casks have gently coaxed this Octomore spirit into life in Warehouse 16, next to our 10.1 edition. The components of our 10.1 and 10.3 are so similar, the distinct flavour difference must be owed to the barley’s respective growing location. Bottled unchill-Filtered and colouring free at Bruichladdich Distillery, 61.3% ALC. / Vol. Limited to 24,000 bottles
Our Tasting Notes
Nose: Coastal peat smoke, slightly medicinal, TCP. Lemon and thyme come through.
Taste: Bright fruit, pear, gooseberry with more citrus. Heavy peat undertones.
Finish: Chocolate, smoke and spice.
