Based on how much I’ve appreciated wine casked whiskies in the past, I’m disappointed this one is blind a little bit. I’m glad so I can have a fresh experience, but sad about the anticipation I’d be experiencing waiting to drink it.
Octomore 7.2, Islay Single Malt, 58.5% ABV
Minutia: Produced from 100% Scottish barley, matured in ex-bourbon and northern Rhone Syrah casks for 5 years, peated to 208ppm. The X.2 denotation implies the European Oak differentiation from the X.1. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Burnished, 1.1.
Nose: Funky smoke, ashy, peaty. The funk stays but changes each sniff. Ethanol. Occasional dried druit.
Taste: Bright, cheesy weirdness, pepper comes in, smoke comes in.
Finish: General smoke becomes savory, pepper fades, then the weird and savory combo fade. Medium.
Guess: Port Charlotte, some kind of wine cask.
I’m not surprised it was an Octomore with an atypical cask, I guess I just underestimated how much peat was involved here. This is strong, really weird, and really good. Wine cask expressions continue to score highly for me. I’m really glad to have done it blind and not be biased knowing how much I’ve liked those finishes so far.
Score: 92
Here are links to the other posts from this calendar:
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