Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2 Scotch Review

By Richard Thomas

Rating: B+

The providence for Bruichladdich’s Octomore 15.2 is (as follows the pattern for the Octomore series broadly) is similar to that of Octomore 15.1. It too is a distillate from a wash of 100% mainland Scotland-grown Concerto barley, which was also peated to 108.2 ppm. Where it diverges is in the cask stock: 42% of the total volume was aged in second-fill wine casks and the rest in second-fill bourbon barrels. As a rule, it is fair to say that second-fill wood may have some influence of the wood itself remaining (so American and presumably European oak), but not as much as new oak to be sure, and little or no influence from the fill-liquid remains (so no bourbon or wine). Where the wood stock becomes more than a breathable container comes in the finishing cask choice, which was first-fill Cognac. The use of Cognac casks is a novel choice for Octomore.

The whisky was aged for five years and bottled at 57.9% ABV.

The Scotch
The choice of primary maturation wood for this single malt tells straight away, because the coloring is straw. The nose leads with the scent of fruity white wine, with notes of apples and peaches, with supplementary touches of cookie spices and dry wood. The mouthfeel is quite oily, and that oily aspect extends into the flavor profile as well. Otherwise it is equally fruit sweet and cinnamon spicy, with a touch of ash rounding it out. The finish runs with that touch of ash and carries it off into its goodbyes.

The Price
Expect to pay $245 for a bottle of Octomore 15.2.