Bruichladdich Octomore 5.1 for Crhistmas

[Truitt]

I got a bottole of Octomore 5.1 as a Christmas gift. It is less smokey than most of the Islay single malts I've tied, but the peat is way over the top. But I like it - a lot. It seems nicely ballanced even with all that peat.

So anyone know anything about the Buichladdich distillery? I had not heard of them until recently, but they seem to have an interesting line-up of whiskies.

[David Dubh]

They were an independent distillery until they were bought out by Remy Cointreau. They make some fantastic whiskies. I'm sure if you search our forums or do a google search for more infomation on them. Enjoy your "laddie"
Cheers David

[Bill aka Mole]

From "Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch, 5th Edition." Miscellaneous snippets that might be relevant to you.

"Bruichladdich reopened in 2001. The whisky has a long combined light, firm maltiness with suggestions of passion fruit, seaweed, and salt." (pg 149)

"An even peatier whisky will be called Octomore, after another former distillery at Port Charlotte." (pg 150)

"The use of different peating levels was one of the first innovations from the new owners at Bruichladdich. The original Bruichladdich is lightly peated, but two more assertive spirits are now distilled, under the names Port Charlotte and Octomore." (pg 13)

"Within the industry, the peat-smoke character is measured in parts per million (ppm) of phenol. The most heavily peated spirit currently being distilled is Octomore, at 80 ppm, but this will not be ready to bottle for some years." (pg 34)

My book was printed in 2004. Seeing that the distillery was reopened in 2001; I'd guess that your Octomore 5.1 is, at best, 12 to 13 years old but more likely around 8. Since none was bottled at the time of my edition, I have nothing else to offer. But it is still Whisky! Enjoy!

Cheers!
PS: www.bruichladdich.com The 5.1 has an advertised 169ppm. Whew!

[Truitt]

Thank you for the information.

Yes, at 169ppm Whew! is right. But somehow it seems well ballanced to me. It is definitely to be taken in small doses, though.

[Bill aka Mole]

While not in the same category, I have had McClellands brand Islay Single Malt. My missus had a sip and her comment was that, "it was like drinking charcoal." Since McClellands is a bottler and not a distiller, there is no telling who actually distilled it. And I like it as well!

[crash]

Check out Ralfy's review this month at ralfy.com

ralfy.com[

[artificer]

...
My book was printed in 2004. Seeing that the distillery was reopened in 2001; I'd guess that your Octomore 5.1 is, at best, 12 to 13 years old but more likely around 8. Since none was bottled at the time of my edition, I have nothing else to offer. But it is still Whisky! Enjoy!

Cheers!
PS: www.bruichladdich.com The 5.1 has an advertised 169ppm. Whew!

All of the Octomores are 5yr old whiskys.

I've got the 2.1 and it's a HUGE peaty punch to the face, but in the best way possible.

Did a small review of it last year HERE.

ith: