Bruichladdich Octomore 2008 Virgin Oak cask sample

This Octomore has not yet been released. It was the encore at the Bruichladdich Masterclass with Allan Logan at a festival in Belgium. It has a great dark color that it got from the fresh oak it matured on. Yep, this is Octomore Virgin Oak.

It is not a peat monster on the nose. More like a bashful creature with lovely touches of sherry. Orangettes, figs, but also vanilla and even acacia honey. Then some good espresso with some coffee liqueur. Very special Octomore, no doubt. And very sweet. Underneath this is a more typical stable scent. Or is it wet dog? Anyway, this nose is magnificent.

You will be making faces because of the high ABV. Or is it the sherry and the oak? Gone is the bashful creature, to become a sherry monster! But a fantastically fruity whisky lurks underneath. Dry and dark fruit, although some juicy ones are in there as well. Raisins, berries, strawberry, figs and Seville oranges. The more typical Octomore (earth, peat, salt) is certainly there, but kept under the thumb by the sherry.

Wonderfully long, warm and very spicy finish that lets you enjoy this for minutes on end.

I am a fan! Although I fear this may be a rather expensive Octomore, scheduled to be released next year, this is one I will definitely want to add to my cabinet.

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