Bruichladdich Octomore 4.2 Comus Chateau D’Yquem is a limited edition 2012 release of the most heavily peated single malt Scotch whisky in the World. This time notching up 167 PPM.

Matured in ex-bourbon followed by double maturation in premier cru superior sauternes casks.

18,000 bottles.

Body: medium weight and well defined for a young islander. the texture is rich, sweet and mellow and the viscosity of the sauterne brings balance to the power of the peat. this is a most sophisticated octomore and it’s kind of unbelievable to see “the beast” tamed a little!

Nose: the opening is a beautiful combination of peat smoke, bracken, leather, tobacco pouches, bog-myrtle & briny waves. then little twists of home-made mint toffee enter the system as do the nutty notes from the oaks – both french and american. and so the dance goes on but where is the french beauty? she waits patiently on the fringes then at exactly the right moment she makes her entrance from the epicentre of the spirit bringing aromatics and flavour the young ileach could only dream about. it’s a brilliant engagement to experience. from deep in her soul she commits to this amazing relationship, the aromatics relay the message to the waiting taste buds to expect a whole new experience. the grand cru sauterne flavours of pear syrup, plump bursting grapes, guava, passion fruits and cantaloupe with a dusting of icing sugar; you have to wonder just how surreal this is, a super heavy peated spirit being seduced by the delectable classic french beauty – passion changes everything!

Palate: it’s absolutely outrageous, the coming together of flavours so far removed from each other you would think it would be a disaster but once again we stand in awe of imagination and the courage to take the consumer on this incredible journey of discovery. the kaleidoscope of aromatics transcends beautifully onto the palate which is going crazy with excitement. the smoke is the perfect foil for the sauterne; this is bruichladdich at its best, walking on the wild side, bringing  pleasure and excitement to those who have that sense of adventure and passion that comes only from people who are totally committed to tradition, nyet fearless in their search for the ultimate dram.

Finish: this love affair should never have happened but it has and we are witness to its enchantment, passion and joyfulness as the flavours linger long into the night, ending on a drift of peat smoke and the marine magic that is truly islay.

Bruichladdich

Bruichladdich Distillery was established in 1881 on the Rhinns peninsular on the island of Islay close by the sandy bays of Loch Indaal. Re-opened in 2001 with much of the original Victorian equipment restored to working order. The first release of Bruichladdich’s new whisky was the highly acclaimed PC5, the first release in the limited Port Charlotte range. Also producing very highly peated Octamore, Organic using Islay grown barley, and triple and quadruple distilled single malts. The Bruichladdich distillery visitor centre offers distillery tours including the bottling hall and the distillery participates in Feis Ile, the annual Islay Whisky Festival.