Bruichladdich Octomore 09.3 5 Year Old Dialogos

Just 52 tonnes of precious Islay barley were malted to produce this single farm Octomore 09.3 edition.

Raised in Irene’s Field on Octomore Farm in 2011, this uber-provenance single malt was later distilled and filled into 134 casks.

Predominantly second-fill, the gentler influence of the wood allows more of the locally grown barley flavours to cut through the legendary peat smoke.

Distilled from 100% Islay grown Concerto barley, harvested in 2011 from Irene’s Field, Octomore Farm and distilled in 2012

Five aged years in 1st fill ex-American (25%), 3rd fill virgin oak (25%), 2nd fill Rivesaltes (20%), 2nd fill Syrah (20%), 2nd fill bourbon (10%)

Bottled unchill-filtered and colouring free at Bruichladdich Distillery, 62.9% ABV, limited to 18,000 bottles

Made solely from barley grown on Irene's Farm in Islay (peated to 133 PPM) and aged for five years in mostly second-fill American whiskey barrels, this is a fascinating study of how a single-vintage low-yield harvest affects the whisky character. This has intense notes of malted barley, black tea, golden syrup, burning heather and smoke.

The Octomore 9 series has been named dialogos (dialogue in ancient Greek) in recognition of the whisky's ability to provoke debate amongst whisky enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes: Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 09.3

Vital Stats: 62.9% ABV. 156 PPM. Aged 5 years in a combination of ex-American whiskey casks and French wine casks. 750mL ~$230.

Appearance: 18k gold.

Nose: Low smoke and peat compared to the 09.1. The nose on this one is so complex and layered. It starts with honey nut Cheerios, and then weaves in and out of earthy umami tones. It’s musty and reminds me of old books in a library. I get mushroom and subdued honey that is mixed with orange peel. On the end, I pick up fresh whipped cream made with Madagascar vanilla.

Palate: Hot and oily mouthfeel, which is definitely more high-octane than the 09.1, but is nice and warming rather than a straight up burn. It’s smoky and rich with vanilla. While it isn’t viscous, I get a sense of simple syrup. A little citrus peel pops up at the beginning, but then it dissipates. Some baking spices surface among the middle, which adds extra heat in the middle. You can taste the influence of the French wine casks.

Final Thoughts: Comparing both the Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 09.1 and 09.3 is like comparing apples to oranges. They are very different from one another, and the higher octane 09.3 is hot but chock-full of flavor. I do like this one a little more because of the higher smoke, and the terroir and earthiness.

62.9% ABV

70cl