Whisky Review/Tasting: Octomore 07.1 5 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by the Bruichladi Distillery.
Type: Scottish Barley Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured in American oak.
Age Statement: 5 years, one of the few from Bruichladi with an age statement.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the bottle is noted as dark black, suggesting a rich, intense color of the whisky itself.
Bottle Design: The bottle is described as very smooth with a dark black appearance, and it prominently features the name "Octumar."

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance between intense peat smoke and surprisingly light, fresh notes on the nose.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its high peat content (208 ppm), the whisky offers a nuanced aroma with cinnamon, vanilla, peppermint, fresh fruit, a hint of tobacco smoke, marine flavors, and seaweed. The flavor is intensely smoky with additional notes of sweetness, leather, oak, and fresh fruit.
Comparison: The Octomore 07.1 is noted for its abnormal smokiness compared to other whiskies, even within the Octomore range, which is known for its peatiness.

Anecdotes: The Octomore name comes from an old farm near the Bruichladi distillery, which had its own distillery lost over time due to family struggles. The Bruichladi distillery now uses the Octomore name for its peatiest whiskies.
Trivia: The finish of the Octomore can last up to half a day, with the smoke flavor developing over time.

Historical Context: The story of the Octomore farm distillery adds a layer of historical significance to the whisky, connecting it to the local heritage and traditional whisky-making practices of the region.

Opinions: The reviewer appreciates the bottle design and the complex, smoky flavor profile of the Octomore 07.1. Despite its high alcohol content (59.5% ABV), the whisky's peatiness stands out more prominently than the alcohol burn.
Quotes: "It's very intriguing," and "It's a dark flavored with intense peat smoke and surprisingly light on the nose."

Octomore 07.1 is a 5-year-old Scottish Barley Whisky from the Bruichladi Distillery, matured in American oak.
It features an intense peat smoke flavor profile with 208 ppm, balanced with lighter, fresh notes.
The whisky's story is tied to the historical Octomore farm distillery, adding depth to its identity.
Despite its high ABV, the peatiness is the most prominent flavor, offering a complex and nuanced tasting experience.
The bottle design is sleek and dark, reflecting the whisky's intense character.

Peat Lovers: Those who appreciate a heavily peated whisky will find the Octomore 07.1 exceptionally satisfying.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Given its complexity and high ABV, it's more suited to those with a developed palate for whisky.
Adventurous Drinkers: Anyone looking to explore the upper limits of peat intensity in whisky will find this an intriguing choice.