Octomore 13.3 demonstrates the phenomenal force of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable harvests gathered from the island of Islay, on one singular farm. Raised by friend and farmer James Brown, just two miles south of the distillery, this crop of Concerto barley was distilled in 2016 from the 2015 growing season, has been
patiently coaxed through our Victorian distillery before being filled into first fill ex-American oak casks and second fill European oak casks.
Working with Islay barley is always a privilege. The ability to present it in a single estate, single vintage, single malt is perhaps even more poetic. From year to year, Head Distiller Adam Hannett works with the base spirit bestowed upon him by the grower, together with natural factors; the changing climate and weather system, agronomic yield decided by marauding deer and hungry geese, and the terroir of the field itself.
This particular Octomore Islay barley has been matured in a foundational parcel of first fill ex-American whiskey barrels and a supplementary selection of second fill European oak casks, hailing from the Rivesaltes region of France and the Ribera del Duero region of Spain. This European oak gives more subtle structure to the spirit, while the
American oak allows the spirit to take centre stage. Expect vanilla and brown sugar, counterbalanced
with fresh and round green fruit notes. The smoke is, as ever, gentle and dry, building to a long
finish with hints of creosote and sea spray.
Gin from Bruichladdich, containing 31 botanicals, of which 22 are native to Islay, including Mugwort, Meadow Sweet and the enigmatic Lady's Bedstraw flowers.
On the palate there is a noticeable delicacy and softness in texture and style. again, the balance of flavour is superb as the smoke wraps loosely around the sweetness drawn from deep within the oak. coconut, vanilla custard, lemon honey combines with smoked oysters and sun baked salty sand.
Gin from Bruichladdich, containing 31 botanicals, of which 22 are native to Islay, including Mugwort, Meadow Sweet and the enigmatic Lady's Bedstraw flowers.
Gin from Bruichladdich, containing 31 botanicals, of which 22 are native to Islay, including Mugwort, Meadow Sweet and the enigmatic Lady's Bedstraw flowers.
