Octomore Edition 13.3 5 Year Old | The Impossible Equation

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
Distillery Bottling 70cl / 61.1%

A 5-year-old Octomore distilled in 2016, Octomore 13.3 was released in autumn 2022 at a mighty 61.1% cask strength. This Octomore was distilled from Concerto barley grown on Bruichladdich's Octomore farm in 2015 and has been heavily peated to an enormous 129.3 ppm.

This third bottling in the 13th Octomore series has been matured in a mix of first fill ex-American whiskey casks and second fill European oak casks that previously held Rivesaltes and Ribera del Duero wines.

Attributes

Tasting Notes

Official Tasting Notes

Character: An Islay whisky through and through, the provenance of this Octomore expression is unrivalled. The complex flavour of the soil that raised the barley and the classic peat smoke define this whisky's character, speaking of the place it is from.

Colour: Barley straw.

Nose: Aromas of malt sugar and gentle peat smoke lead you into the dram. Layers of fresh green fruit come next followed by rose, geranium, apricot, and eucalyptus. Marzipan, ginger nut biscuits, and honeyed melon can also come through, with the malty fruity character coming to the fore with a little time. Adding a drop of water will bring out the peat smoke beautifully.

Palate: A soft and delicate on the palate, sweet honey and brown sugar give way to a whisper of peat smoke. The second sip brings lemon rind and seashells, a delicate marine hint along with malty biscuit notes and marzipan and coconut. The peat smoke has hints of boot polish and ash but is gentle enough to allow the subtle floral malty notes to shine.

Finish: The marine character develops and the smoke increases on the palate, honey and lemon with warm sand and marzipan. Final fruity traces of peach and stewed pears bring a little sweetness to the finish.