Whisky Review/Tasting: Octomore 06.1: 167ppm Scottish Barley

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland.
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled, matured, and bottled at the Bruichladdich Distillery. Aged for 5 years in American oak ex-bourbon casks.
Age Statement: 5 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as a clear, uncolored liquid. The bottle design specifics are not detailed, but it is noted that Bruichladdich is one of the few distilleries that bottle their whisky themselves.
ABV: 57%.

Overall Balance: Extremely peated with a non-linear behavior in peat smoke intensity. The whisky is described as having a velvet glove around an iron fist, indicating a balance between the intense peat smoke (iron fist) and smoother, more nuanced flavors (velvet glove).
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its extraordinary peat level of 167 ppm, making it the most heavily peated whisky in the world at the time.
Flavor Notes: Initial strong peat smoke, spiciness, lemon, and alcohol. Upon dilution, sweetness, a little oakiness, vanilla, nuts (hazelnuts), maltiness, distant sea, and rotten algae are noted. More phenolic smoke, fruitiness, and a little vanilla are observed with added water.
Comparison: Not directly compared to other whiskies, but its extreme peat level sets it apart.

Distillery Anecdote: Horst Luening recounts a personal story from 2003 or 2004 when the head distiller of Bruichladdich showed him an early bottle of Octomore, which he declined to taste due to its intense peatiness.
Historical Context: The name "Octomore" is linked to the Octomore farm and has historical significance dating back to the Lords of the Isles, with connections to the Picts and the Montgomery family's long-lost Islay distillery.

Islay's Terroir: Emphasizes the importance of terroir, provenance, and traceability, using only Scottish barley to highlight the whisky's Islay identity.
Bruichladdich's Philosophy: The distillery's commitment to the slow food movement, authenticity, and challenging convention is highlighted, along with their support for people with disabilities.

Horst Luening's Personal Take: "This won't be my favorite...extreme peated whiskies are not my favorite."
On Octomore's Rarity and Value: "This bottle is rare, really rare...it's also very expensive...not worth it from my point of view. But who likes very peaty whisky? This one is the very right one."

Octomore 06.1 is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, aged 5 years, with an ABV of 57%.
Known for its extreme peat level of 167 ppm, making it the most heavily peated whisky in the world.
Flavor profile includes intense peat smoke, with notes of spiciness, lemon, vanilla, nuts, and a maritime influence.
Horst Luening shares a personal anecdote about his early encounter with Octomore and emphasizes its rarity and high cost.
The whisky is celebrated for its connection to Islay's terroir and Bruichladdich's innovative and authentic approach to whisky making.

Peat Lovers: Ideal for enthusiasts of heavily peated whiskies seeking the pinnacle of peat intensity.
Collectors: Due to its rarity and unique characteristics, it's a must-have for collectors, especially those interested in Islay whiskies.
Experienced Whisky Drinkers: Those with a developed palate for Scotch whisky might appreciate the complexity and challenge it presents.
Not Recommended for: Beginners or those who prefer lighter, less peated whiskies.