Octomore Rock’ndaal 04.1 Polyphonic
Octomore Rock’ndaal 04.1 Polyphonic, 15 YO, 54.9 %
This is a special Octomore release from Bruichladdich Distillery. It was born out of an idea of a “Greatest Hits of Octomore” (read more on the backstory). This expression was bottled for the Fèis Ìle 2025, and was limited to 2500 bottles.
The components are stated as follows:
Octomore Event Horizon Ex-oloroso sherry and PX casks used for at Fèis Ìle 2017, at 162.6 ppm
Octomore 8.2 167 ppm → additional maturation in refill ex-bourbon casks
Octomore 6.3 258 ppm → additional matured in 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrels
Octomore 8.4 170 ppm
Unreleased 2005 single cask 1st fill ex-Grenache (red wine) -> 167 ppm
Unreleased 2009 single cask 2nd fill ex-Sauternes → 208 ppm
Unreleased 2007 single barrel 1st fill ex-bourbon, from the first distillation of barley from Octomore Farm → 173 ppm
Nose: Peaty and smoky for sure, yet soft, relaxed and very welcoming. Sweet, slightly dry wood smoke comes with hints of soot and ashes. Fruity and creamy underneath, with malt, vanilla, sweet licorice and orange zest emerging with time.
Taste: Full bodied with a creamy, rich mouthfeel. Vanilla, licorice and mild spices follow naturally from the nose. Smoky and peaty without becoming overwhelming. Vibrant and lively throughout.
Finish: Long. Some oakiness, but it remains full of life, with layers of almost polyphonic spiciness playing together. Very well balanced, with minerality and citrus appearing toward the end.
Comment: Complex peat in perfect harmony.
Score 91/100
Sláinte!
-Thomas
