Bruichladdich - Octomore 7.2 - Tasting Notes

Bruichladdich was very generous to send us a sample of the lovely Octomore 7.2 to explore. This one is matured in classic american oak with spirit matured in casks that once held Syrah, created in the vineyards of the Northern Rhone valley. It is peated to 208ppm and bottled at 58,5% at an age of 5 years.

The nose is a mixture of salty peat and a boggy note at first with an sweetness underneath of dried fruits, honey, apricots, mango, coconut, vanilla, almonds and a bit dried flowers also like heather? A layer of fresh fruits with black berries, blackcurrant, red warm apples, pear juice and oranges.

The palate is at first much like the nose. But with some time it starts to reveal a rich, thick, sweet and warm layer with many fruits, fried and fresh ones, and almost a tropical touch to it. A citrus freshness and honey sweetness through this all.

I find there to be a touch of lavender and heather, like the dried flowers on the nose, there are more, but just don't seem to be able to name them, they feel a bit dense. It has a salty feel combined with dark chocolate, figs and cinnamon to it. Sweetness of toffee and a light nutty feel, red and black summer fruit with demerara sugar.

The finish is sweet and off medium length. Notes that linger on a bit are the cinnamon with vanilla and chocolate. The chocolate mixes a bit with the peat and gives a bit sweet dry feel in the end. Scoring this one an 8 out of 10. Lovely full and warm dram with a softer nose then the palate. That is more revealing I find. The nose requires quite a bit of time to show it self. Lovely dram, just to sit down with and enjoy all night.