Whisky Review/Tasting: Octomore Meleager

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Produced by the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay.
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Matured for six years in American and French oak casks, with the French oak being Sauternes casks from Chateau de Chemm, a dessert wine producer in the Bordeaux region.
Age Statement: 6 years.
Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is uncolored, described as quite golden, not too dark for its age. The bottle design for the Octomore series is noted for its variety of colors (white, black, red, etc.), though this specific bottle's design wasn't detailed.

Peat Level: Extremely high at 161.5 ppm, making it super heavily peated.
Balance of Flavors: Dominated by peat, with a non-linear detection of peat or smoke in the nose. Despite its high peat level, it's described as less intense than one might expect, with some fruitiness in the background.
Unique Characteristics: The influence of the Sauternes cask adds a very faint sweetness and spiciness from the wood, contrasting with the heavy peatiness.
Comparison: Noted as being more intensely peated than other Islay whiskies like Ardbeg or Lagavulin, and even too intense for those who prefer moderately peated whiskies like Port Charlotte.

Renegade Series: This series celebrates the period when the Bruichladdich Distillery was revived from mothballing by a group of individuals until it was sold to Rémy Cointreau. The term "Renegade" reflects the independent spirit of this era.
Distillery Managers' Casks: The tradition of rewarding distillery managers and directors with their own casks, leading to unique and highly sought-after bottlings.

Islay's Whisky Tradition: Emphasizes the rich tradition of whisky production on the Isle of Islay, known for its peated whiskies.
Sauternes Cask Maturation: Highlights the innovative use of French Sauternes wine casks for maturation, blending Scottish and French traditions.

"Heavily peated but not four times as strong as an Ardbeg or Lagavulin. No, it's less."
"It's like kissing an ashtray... no, nothing for my mother's son."
"This bottle is really expensive. We talk about 300 euros a bottle."

Octomore Meleager is a super heavily peated Islay single malt scotch whisky, aged for six years in American and French oak casks, with a peat level of 161.5 ppm.
Its flavor profile is dominated by peat, with a faint sweetness and spiciness from the Sauternes cask maturation.
Part of the Renegade series, it represents a unique period in Bruichladdich Distillery's history.
Cultural significance includes the Islay whisky tradition and the innovative use of Sauternes casks.
Noted for being extremely peated and expensive, with a bottle costing around 300 euros.

Peat Lovers: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate extremely peated whiskies and are looking for a unique, intense experience.
Collectors: Due to its rarity, unique story, and high price, this whisky is a great addition to a collector's shelf.
Adventurous Drinkers: Those interested in exploring the limits of peated whisky and the influence of unique cask maturation might find this whisky intriguing.