Octomore has become a particularly well-known brand, especially among lovers of peated whiskies. Although malts of this brand have extreme peat levels and in some cases, they are not easy to appreciate even for the greatest of peat fan. The Octomore 09.1 is 5 years old and is aged exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels. These are the barrels used for the 09.1: 51% Jim Beam, 26% Jack Daniel’s, 15% Clermont and 8% Old Grand-Dad. The peat level is 156 ppm.
- Type: Single malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 59.1%
- Cask: ex-Bourbon
- Age: 5 years old
- Price: $180 – €135
- Details: non-chill filtered, non-colored
TASTING NOTES – OCTOMORE 09.1
Nose
It reveals intense peated notes and mineral hints, which are followed by medicinal herbs and iodine. A tinge of malt is also perceptible.
Palate
Intense aromas of wood, black pepper and peat, which culminates with hot spices. Brine and iodine follow. Medicinal notes appear as well.
Finish
The finish is very long, with notes of pepper and minerals. The hot spices are also present.
Overall, the Octomore 09.1 is not a simple product, both from a flavor perspective, due to the strong peated component, and the alcoholic component. The latter can be adjusted with a few drops of water to dilute and make the ABV more approachable. That said, the 09.1 version is quite unbalanced, with the peat tending to clearly dominate and cover the remaining flavor profile. Among the different versions tested, this is one of the less successful versions.