Bruichladdich
Bruichladdich Octomore 2.2 Orpheus 61%

Peated to 150ppm, finished in Chateau Petrus casks.

Wow, you don’t even have to put your nose in the glass to smell the peat reek! It fills the room! However it is surprisingly soft and very civilised. The wine finish is relatively subtle adding a pure red berry note along with a beguiling sweetness. Stunning integration. The peat aromas are incredibly complex – Of the bog myrtle, iodine, fish, light tar and creosote variety.

Soft, almost gentle opening, leading out with red berries fruit followed by the peat, bog myrtle and iodine. Like the nose the peat flavours have an amazing complexity, starting out quite coastally before moving through a lovely, crumbly sweetness until it becomes more coal dusty in character. Although the alcohol is quite high, it is well integrated and behaves. The length is stunning, the peat rumbles on majestically accented by fishy notes. The peat really coats the mouth and leaves and almost gritty after taste.

A drop of water emphasises the fishy/ rubber characteristics of the peat aromas. The wine notes are sent to the back as a lovely tangerine/ satsuma note appears along with some wood notes. The peat has developed a lovely sweet edge. Whilst in the mouth the delicate oils shine and it’s youthful cereal side can be discerned, as can hints of fisherman’s friends, menthol and carbolic. Either with or without water, this is a stunning whisky!