Bruichladdich Octomore 07.2 Scottish Barley

Bruichladdich Octomore 07.2 Scottish Barley, 5 YO, 58,5 %

Ever wondered about the numbering on the Octomore releases? Well, there are a lot of numbers, to be sure. Let's break it down and clear things up:

• Edition numbers
  • Up until the 7th generation of Octomore there was only 1 release on the odd numbered generations (01.1, 03.1, 05.1).
  • Up until the 6th generation there were 2 releases on all even numbered generations (02.1 and 02.2 etc).
  • The .1 releases are matured exclusively in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels.
  • The .2 releases are matured fully or finished in various wine casks.
    • 02.2 Chateau Petrus Bordeaux Casks
    • 04.2 Chateau d'Yquem Sauternes Casks
    • 06.2 Eau-de-Vie Limousin Oak Cask of Aquitaine
    • 07.2 Rhône Syrah Wine Casks
  • The .3 releases, starting with 06.3 will be made exclusively using Islay Barley.
• Phenol levels
  • The Octomore series is well-known for being über-peated, with phenol levels way above any other single malts released anywhere.
  • Phenol level is given as part per million (ppm).
  • It is said that Bruichladdich have Octomores in their warehouse made with peated malt with phenol levels above 300 ppm.
  • The ppm level of the releases so far do follow a very high and rising trend:
    • 01.1 131 ppm
    • 02.1 140 ppm
    • 02.2 140 ppm
    • 03.1 152 ppm
    • 04.1 167 ppm
    • 04.2 167 ppm
    • 05.1 169 ppm
    • 06.1 167 ppm
    • 06.2 167 ppm
    • 06.3 258 ppm
    • 07.1 208 ppm
    • 07.2 208 ppm

The Bruichladdich Octomore 07.2 Scottish Barley is a Travel Retail Only release. It has been matured in American Oak bourbon casks before receiving a finish in Rhône Syrah Wine Casks.

Nose (23/25): A smoldering citrus plantation, the day after the big fire. The air is filled with ashes, and dry wood smoke, all mixed in with citrus notes, zesty and slightly burnt. A baker has set up shop with his mobile baker's oven. The delightful notes of freshly baked bread slowly spreads and softens the overall impression.

Taste (23/25): Caramel, ashes and fruits. The mouthfeel is thick and rich. The sweetness has notes of wine, a soft sweetness of berries and summer fruits.

Finish (22/25): Sweet, long and lingering. Ashes and wine for the first stretch, then caramel and fruit drops on top of smoky embers.

Balance (22/25): A warm and comforting dream of a dram. The Octomore series continues to impress. Very well-integrated and balanced drams at such a young age.

Score (90/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas