Whisky: Octomore 2009 11yo (Friends of Bruichladdich)
Region: Islay
ABV: 65.2%
Price: £150
This particular unicorn release was bottled by Laddie super fan Derek Mather for the friends of Bruichladdich Facebook group. The cask type for this release is Syrah. Sadly, we were only able to get a sample and not a whole bottle. Thanks to the Artisan Restaurant for the sample.
Nose
We’re off to a great start here as your hit with a sea salt breeze on a windy day on Islay. Dig a little deeper and you get raspberries, butter, warm plastic, peat, cinnamon, and cardamom spice.
Palate
Initial hit of toffee apple, chilli spice, Cranberries, strawberry jam, raisins and sultanas. Not as peated as expected. Medium finish with a gingery spice lingering.
Nose (with water)
Water brings out the warming peat notes. this has definitely become more meaty with Bovril and beef monster munch.
Palate (with water)
Burning candle wax, verbena, chocolate and tobacco. Water has diminished some of the as peat, and also sent the fruited notes into the background. Finish is definitely longer with water.
Conclusion
With over ten thousand members you’re not likely to get your hands on one of these FOB bottles at RRP, but if this release is anything to go by, if you do get a chance then grab it. Not worth the auction prices, but we’d definitely pay over RRP.
Score: 8.5/10
- 10 - Perfection. A whisky that we’ll remember forever.
- 9 - Amazing. We’d pay through the nose for a bottle.
- 8 - Great. Pick this up at RRP.
- 7 - Good. Happy to have a dram or two but wouldn’t buy a bottle.
- 6 - Passable. Would accept a dram, but wouldn’t seek it out.
- 5 - Poor. Would drink if it was the only option.
- 4 - Bad. Maybe it can be saved by ginger beer?
- 3 - Awful. It can't be saved by ginger beer.
- 2 - Pour it out
- 1 - We’ve never tried a whisky rated this low and hopefully never will.
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