Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70 cl

I tried this while in a nice cosy bar on Islay, if you're buying this as a gift for a scotch or islay whisky lover, go for it. Otherwise if you're wondering what it tasted like, here's my notes.EyeRather clearLegs are grippy and oilyNoseMeaty barbecueArdbeg-esqueMellow sweetnessLike marzipan, slightly nuttyTasteA bit like Laphroaig initiallyAshy smoke, but no harsh biteIncreasing warmth in the mouth, like a good rye whiskey, but no liquorice or strange aniseed notes.It finishes well, leaving a sweet smokey coating in the mouth, like Ardbeg 10 but more refined.With waterOne drop, brings the meatiness to the fore, pushing back the spice and smoke.Another two drops starts to smooth it out slow down the experience of flavours, making them more palatable and less sharp.An additional 3 drops magically puts it in a magical territory of between the styles of Ardbeg and Laphroaig, still maintaining the same flavours, still a little overpowering for my taste. Also coming through is the flavour of Bruichladdich Classic Laddie, as if that was the base for this magic. Peaty water, with a very specific barley that delivers a harmonious balance between cereal notes and caramel sweetness.After another 5 drops and even all the previous sips, it's opening up and making the flavours more palatable, creamy sweetness is now on the fore. For lovers of smoke and Islay whisky, probably somewhere between 5-10 will deliver your best experience. It also still seems leagues beyond Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10, or Lagavulin 16.I decided to go for another 3 drops and this is probably my optimum enjoyable experience;13-18 drops of water. It's like a crisper version of Ardbeg 10 with the flavours/tasting notes coming through in a more defined manner.

I would have shied away from a Malt that claims to be the world’s heaviest peated Malt produced (which is quite a claim on Islay) however, at a recent visit to the island (which boasts 9 distilleries and growing) I visited Bruichladdich distillery and enjoyed a comprehensive taste testing. My favourite dram has to be a 30 year old Springbank (from Campbeltown) so I was delighted to visit Islay, the near neighbouring island. I had not come across the Octomore range that Bruichladdich produce before and agreed to try the offering. I am familiar with their regular ‘Laddie’ dram but Octomore is another level – I tried 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 I was amazed - in an agreeable, nice way! The experience of Octomore 9.1 was very 3-dimensional, these are complex flavours, but not heavy; the light colour of the 9.1 surprised me when it poured from the dark, black bottle, but these are matured in Bourbon casks (see photograph). The whisky sat in my palate while I savoured this experience, yes the flavours are intense, but balanced with sweet over tones, light and dark, warming not harsh – this was something special and though I had a second tasting later, it was an experience to enjoy, not a whisky to guzzle! …and Yes – I did buy the 9.1 (my favourite of the three) after the tastings were complete!

Der Octomore war ein Geschenk für einen Whiskyliebhaber der er gerne Torfig mag. Ich mag Torf nicht allzusehr, aber auch für mich war er sehr lecker, da der Torf noch von vielen weiteren Aromen begleitet werden die sehr gut Harmonieren.

Toller Whisky für die, die mal etwas wirklich Rauchiges probieren möchten. Ich weiß allerdings nicht, dass bei den Octomores im Angbot ständig von Farbstoffzusätzen gesprochen wird. Der Whisky ist nicht kühlgefiltert und enthält KEINEN Farbstoff!

Über Geschmack lässt sich immer streiten. Ich mag halt die rauchigen Geschmacksnoten und die Sorten der Islam Insel. Dieser ist extrem rauchig im Geschmack. Man muss es halt mögen. Ich würde ihn wieder kaufen.

Wer kein Rauch in Whisky mag sollte die Finger davon lassen! Ein Muss für diejenigen, die Rauch mögen!