Whisky Review/Tasting: Octomore 6.3 with 258 ppm!

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled, matured, and bottled at Bruichladdich Distillery. Aged for 5 years, unfiltered and coloring free.
Age Statement: 5 years
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as quite brown, suggesting an unusual depth of color for its age. The bottle and packaging are noted for their metallic tube, indicating a premium product. The design includes homage to the Octomore distillery and the Montgomery's long-lost Islay distillery.

Peatiness: With a phenol level of 258 ppm, it is the most heavily peated whisky in the world at the time of the review.
Flavor Balance: The flavor profile includes a significant amount of smoke, with underlying fruitiness and hints of herbs. The peatiness is described as more akin to a bonfire rather than antiseptic.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its extreme peat level, the whisky also presents flavors of dark and black cherries, possibly grapes, suggesting the influence of sherry or wine casks.

Production Philosophy: The distillery emphasizes beliefs in authenticity, provenance, traceability, and the soul of the artisan. Despite its young age, the whisky is a product of challenging convention.
Historical References: The whisky pays tribute to the Octomore distillery and the Montgomery's Islay distillery, with references to the Lords of the Isles and the Pictish origins of the Dabach measurement.

Islay Barley: The barley used for this whisky is sourced from Islay, including ecologically grown and local barley, emphasizing the whisky's deep connection to its geographical origin.
Historical Context: The narrative around the whisky includes its ties to the history of Islay, the Lords of the Isles, and the ancient Pictish people, enriching its cultural significance.

Personal Opinion: Horst Luening, the mastertaster, expresses a personal dislike for extremely peated whiskies, finding the Octomore 6.3's level of peatiness overwhelming but acknowledges its complexity and depth.
Memorable Quote: "It is a velvet glove around an iron fist," describing the whisky's balance of intense peatiness with underlying smoothness.

Octomore 6.3 is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, aged 5 years, with an unprecedented peat level of 258 ppm.
It features a complex flavor profile with dominant smoke, fruitiness, and hints of cherries and possibly grapes.
The whisky pays homage to Islay's historical distilleries and agricultural practices, emphasizing its cultural and geographical roots.
Despite its quality and complexity, the extreme peatiness may not appeal to all, as noted by the mastertaster's personal preference.

Peat Lovers: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate or seek out the most heavily peated whiskies.
Adventurous Drinkers: Suitable for those looking to explore the limits of whisky flavor profiles and enjoy challenging their palate.
Collectors: Given its unique characteristics and limited edition status, it's a must-have for collectors of rare and unusual whiskies.
Not Recommended For: Beginners or those with a preference for lighter, less peated whiskies may find Octomore 6.3 overwhelming.