Whiskey (4193)

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Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017
8.7
In Collection
Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017
0.7L
Scotland Malt

The Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 is a limited edition release that forms part of the annual Cairdeas series, which explores different cask types and finishes to showcase the versatility of Laphroaig’s distinct peat-driven character. The 2017 release was matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and European oak casks, which impart a unique blend of bold peat smoke and rich, fruity sweetness. It celebrates the friendship and bond between Laphroaig and its fans, with its name "Cairdeas" meaning "friendship" in Gaelic. This whisky balances Laphroaig's signature intensity with a smoother, more complex profile, making it a standout expression for both longtime aficionados and newcomers alike.

NOSE: The nose is a vibrant mix of Laphroaig’s signature peaty smoke, full of medicinal and earthy notes, complemented by the coastal brine and iodine typical of Islay whiskies. There’s a notable richness underneath the peat, with sweet vanilla and caramel aromas emerging from the oak casks. As it opens up, dried fruits like figs, raisins, and dates add a layer of complexity, while a touch of spice from the European oak—cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg—creates a warm, inviting sensation. The higher ABV adds a certain intensity to the nose, elevating the smokiness and sweetness, while maintaining a perfect balance between the two.
TASTE: On the palate, the whisky offers a full-bodied, powerful experience. The peat smoke is immediate and robust, with earthy, medicinal notes of iodine and seaweed that are characteristic of Laphroaig. This is balanced by a surprising sweetness, with flavors of toffee, honey, and vanilla emerging from the oak influence. The dried fruit notes—raisins, figs, and a hint of orange peel—add depth and richness to the overall flavor profile. The European oak brings subtle spice, with hints of cinnamon, cloves, and a slight nuttiness that rounds out the whisky. The balance between the bold peat and the oak-driven sweetness creates a complex, layered taste that lingers on the palate.
FINISH: The finish is long and warming, with the signature peat smoke fading gently, leaving behind a dry, slightly salty aftertaste. The maritime notes of brine and iodine continue to linger, along with the sweetness of dried fruits and honey. There is a gentle oak spiciness that remains, adding warmth and complexity. The finish is well-rounded, with the interplay of smoky, sweet, and spicy elements creating a satisfying conclusion. It’s a whisky that evolves over time, offering a multi-faceted experience that lingers long after the sip.
Brine Caramel Cinnamon Clove Date Dried Honey Iodine Nutmeg Oak Orange Peat Salt Seaweed Smoke Toffee Vanilla
Compass Box Peat Monster 2006
8.7
In Collection
Compass Box Peat Monster 2006
0.7L
Scotland Malt

The Peat Monster 2006 is a smoky, intense whisky that combines the boldness of peat with layers of complexity and balance. Compass Box’s philosophy in blending is to create a whisky that retains the distinctive peat character of Islay whiskies, but with added smoothness, sweetness, and depth from other components. It’s a slightly different expression than the 2005 release, but still features that signature Compass Box finesse.

NOSE: On the nose, the Peat Monster 2006 immediately announces itself with a pronounced smoky profile, but this time the peat seems even more robust and aggressive. Expect thick layers of iodine, medicinal qualities, and brine, reminiscent of a seaside bonfire. Underneath the smoke, there’s a delicate sweetness of honey and vanilla, with subtle hints of dried fruits like apricots or raisins. A slight nuttiness, perhaps almonds or hazelnuts, adds depth, and there’s a faint spice that hints at wood and oak influence.
TASTE: The palate of the Peat Monster 2006 is rich and full-bodied, with a strong peat presence, but it balances this intensity with a smooth mouthfeel. The peat is earthy and smoky, with notes of charred wood, campfire ash, and a slightly salty, coastal edge. However, the whisky doesn’t stop at just peat—it has an unexpected fruitiness (think orange zest or even a touch of tropical fruit) that provides a nice contrast to the smoky, briny elements. There’s a gentle sweetness as well, perhaps from the malt or the influence of the casks, giving the whisky a bit of roundness to temper the peat’s boldness. A soft spice, maybe cinnamon or cloves, adds a bit of complexity to the overall flavor profile.
FINISH: The finish is long and warming, with the peat lingering pleasantly on the palate. As the smoke fades, a gentle sweetness remains, along with subtle hints of wood, dried fruit, and a faint bitterness. The aftertaste leaves behind an enjoyable, lingering smoky essence, which is characteristic of the Peat Monster series, but it feels less overwhelming than the first impact on the palate. The balance between the sweetness, fruitiness, and peat is present all the way through, offering a finish that’s both satisfying and balanced.
Almond Ash Brine Campfire Cinnamon Clove Dried Hazelnut Honey Iodine Oak Orange Peat Salt Smoke Vanilla Zest
Compass Box Peat Monster 2005
8.7
In Collection
Compass Box Peat Monster 2005
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Peat Monster 2005 is a rich and smoky blended Scotch that showcases the intensity of peat while maintaining a smoothness and complexity that is characteristic of Compass Box’s style. It’s made from a combination of malt whiskies, including those from Islay distilleries like Caol Ila and Laphroaig, mixed with other peated and unpeated malts. This version is notable for its bold peat-driven character, but it also features underlying layers of fruitiness and subtle wood influences, making it a more nuanced and accessible peat whisky.

NOSE: The nose is immediately struck by the powerful presence of peat smoke, but it's not a one-dimensional bonfire aroma. There’s a complexity here—notes of earthy peat, medicinal qualities (like iodine), and a slight briny sea air mix with hints of sweet vanilla, dried fruit (raisin, apricot), and a subtle touch of oak. As it opens up, you might notice a gentle sweetness from the malt, soft spices like cinnamon, and a faint whiff of tobacco smoke.
TASTE: On the palate, Peat Monster 2005 delivers a bold, smoky experience with a lot of depth. The peat is rich and assertive but well-integrated with other flavors. The flavor profile offers a smoky, earthy backbone, complemented by a slight fruitiness, like stewed fruits or orange zest. There’s also a honeyed sweetness and a touch of vanilla, adding a roundness to the whisky. The smoke and peat influence are persistent but not overwhelming, allowing the malt to shine through with flavors of toasted nuts, light spices, and a trace of maritime saltiness.
FINISH: The finish is long and warming, with lingering peat smoke and a faint bitterness from the oak. It’s a smooth, dry finish, with a delicate sweetness that balances the smoke and a slight medicinal tang that is typical of Islay peated whiskies. The aftertaste leaves a pleasant, smoky echo that beckons you to take another sip.
Cinnamon Dried Honey Iodine Oak Orange Peat Salt Smoke Toast Tobacco Vanilla Zest
Big Peat Christmas Edition (all editions)
8.7
In Collection
Big Peat Christmas Edition (all editions)
0.7L
Scotland Malt

The Big Peat Christmas Edition is a highly anticipated annual release from the independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co. Known for its signature peated style, Big Peat brings together a blend of whiskies from Islay’s most famous distilleries, including Ardbeg, Bowmore, Port Ellen, and Lagavulin. Each Christmas Edition is a limited release, typically bottled at a higher strength and with a unique festive twist, celebrating the spirit of the season while showcasing the intense, smoky character that Big Peat is known for. The festive packaging and creative labels add to the celebratory nature of the release, making it a sought-after bottling for collectors and whisky enthusiasts alike.

NOSE: The Big Peat Christmas Edition whiskies always carry the signature intensity of Islay peat—smoky, medicinal, and briny, with the heavy influence of maritime winds and salt air. The nose typically opens with a powerful surge of peat smoke, evoking the sensation of a bonfire on a windswept beach. Alongside this dominant smoky character, there is usually a rich sweetness from the whisky’s malt base, often accompanied by notes of dried fruits, toffee, and vanilla. The influence of the specific casks used in each year’s release brings subtle variations: some editions may have an extra layer of spicy oak, while others may offer more of a citrusy, coastal freshness. There's often a slight medicinal note, reminiscent of iodine or antiseptic, which is typical of the distilleries included in the blend.
TASTE: On the palate, Big Peat Christmas Editions are generally full-bodied and rich, with a robust peat character that dominates. The peat is heavy and oily, yet smooth, with a complex combination of earthy, smoky, and salty notes that coat the mouth. The whisky is typically sweet, with flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, and honey, balancing out the intensity of the peat. Many of the Christmas Editions feature a higher ABV, which enhances the whisky’s warmth and depth, bringing out flavors of spiced fruits (like figs, raisins, and dates) and rich malt. In some editions, there’s also a touch of wood smoke, vanilla, or even bitter coffee from the maturation process, adding complexity.
FINISH: The finish of Big Peat Christmas Editions tends to be long, warming, and smoky, with the peat lingering on the palate for an extended period of time. The finish often features briny, coastal notes, evoking images of Islay's rugged shores. There’s usually a nice balance of sweetness from the malt, which gradually fades into a tannic oakiness or spice from the casks. The whisky’s higher strength often leaves a peppery heat on the tongue, especially in editions bottled at higher ABVs. The combination of peaty smoke, spicy oak, and sweetness creates a lingering aftertaste that invites another sip.
Dark Chocolate Date Dried Honey Iodine Oak Peat Pepper Salt Smoke Toffee Vanilla
Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition
8.7
In Collection
Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Lagavulin 11-Year-Old Offerman Edition is a limited-edition whisky that was released as a collaboration between Lagavulin Distillery and Nick Offerman, the actor and whisky enthusiast best known for his role as Ron Swanson on the TV series Parks and Recreation. Offerman, who is a well-known fan of Lagavulin, has long endorsed the distillery, and his partnership with them led to the creation of this unique bottling. This release is a nod to Lagavulin’s rich, smoky, peated character, while adding a twist through a special cask maturation process. Specifically, the 11-year-old whisky is aged in a combination of traditional American oak barrels and charred oak barrels, which imparts additional depth and complexity to the whisky. The result is a whisky that offers a harmonious blend of Lagavulin's signature peat smoke and sweet, wood-forward flavors.

NOSE: The nose of the Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition is a tantalizing blend of smoke, sweetness, and a touch of woodiness: The signature Lagavulin peat smoke is immediately apparent—rich, earthy, and medicinal, with a hint of charcoal and burnt wood. It's a classic Lagavulin nose but with a slightly more refined edge. There’s a noticeable vanilla sweetness that comes from the influence of the American oak barrels, bringing forward aromas of buttercream, toffee, and caramelized sugar. As you breathe in deeper, you might catch hints of spicy wood and charred oak, with a faint note of leather and a bit of dried fruit (perhaps figs or raisins) adding complexity. Subtle maritime qualities emerge with a slight whiff of sea breeze, brine, and a touch of salty air, typical of Lagavulin’s coastal character.
TASTE: On the palate, Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition delivers a well-rounded, complex experience: The peat smoke is front and center but feels more integrated and smooth than the more aggressive expressions from Lagavulin. It’s smoky, with flavors of burnt wood, tarry rope, and campfire ash—classic Lagavulin, but softened with age. There’s a creamy sweetness from the oak casks, with flavors of toffee, vanilla, and butterscotch that balance the peat. The whisky has a richness that adds fullness to the mouthfeel. The charred oak influence is subtle but present, adding a slight spice and dark chocolate bitterness to the profile, especially as the whisky develops in the mouth. Mid-palate, there’s a delicate note of dried fruit (think raisins and a touch of orange peel), adding sweetness that contrasts with the smoky and spicy elements. The mouthfeel is rich and oily, with a luxurious texture that coats the tongue.
FINISH: The finish of Lagavulin 11yo Offerman Edition is long and warming, with lingering peat and sweet oak: The peat smoke lingers, but it’s not overpowering. Instead, it’s a gentle warmth that fades slowly into charred wood and a hint of spice. There’s a final touch of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and a faint tang of salt from the maritime influence. The finish is dry but balanced, with the oak influence leaving a lasting impression of vanilla, toffee, and a light woodsy bitterness.
Ash Brine Butterscotch Campfire Caramel Charcoal Dark Chocolate Dried Leather Oak Oats Orange Peat Salt Smoke Toffee Vanilla
Kilchoman 100% Islay (all editions)
8.7
In Collection
Kilchoman 100% Islay (all editions)
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Kilchoman 100% Islay is a series of single malts from Kilchoman Distillery, one of the newest and most exciting distilleries on the Isle of Islay, known for its commitment to traditional methods of whisky production. The 100% Islay range is special because it represents Kilchoman's desire to create a whisky entirely from local Islay ingredients, including barley grown on the distillery's own farm, water from their own source, and traditional floor-malted barley, combined with their signature peated character.

NOSE: The first release has a balance of peat smoke with fresh, grassy notes of citrus (lemon zest), green apple, and hints of vanilla. The smoky profile is present but not overwhelming, with more subtle, herbal qualities.
TASTE: A gentle introduction to Kilchoman’s style, with smoky peat paired with a surprising sweetness—think honey, toffee, and a touch of lemon sherbet. There's also a layer of fresh fruit—specifically apple and pear—as well as some underlying spice.
FINISH: The finish is clean and balanced with a light, smoky note and a malty sweetness that lingers on the palate. The peat remains but is more of a background character.
Apple Honey Lemon Pear Peat Smoke Toffee Vanilla Zest
Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1
8.7
In Collection
Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1 is part of Bruichladdich’s renowned Octomore series, which is famous for pushing the boundaries of peat levels in Scotch whisky. With an astonishing phenol level of 167 ppm (parts per million), Octomore 9.1 is one of the peatiest whiskies ever created, yet it showcases Bruichladdich’s mastery in maintaining balance and complexity. This expression is crafted using barley from the Islay region, with a maturation process in a combination of American oak and ex-bourbon casks, which helps to create a whisky that is both heavily peated and elegantly smooth. The 9.1 release highlights the distillery’s commitment to both innovation and tradition, offering whisky enthusiasts a daring but refined experience. While the peat levels are extreme, the whisky is not just about intense smoke; there are layers of fruit, sweetness, and a touch of oak that complement the bold peaty character. It’s a whisky that challenges the senses but also rewards with its intricate layers.

NOSE: The nose of Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1 is an immediate burst of powerful peat smoke that is both fragrant and assertive. The intensity of the peat is undeniable, with earthy, medicinal notes and a strong maritime influence. Underneath the smoke, there are subtle hints of sweetness, with aromas of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of honey. The maltiness of the barley adds depth, while there are fruity notes of ripe apples, pears, and a faint citrus zest. As the whisky opens up, the complexity deepens with a gentle, woody undertone from the oak casks, and the sweetness of the vanilla and caramel becomes more pronounced, creating a pleasing balance between the smoky and sweeter elements.
TASTE: On the palate, Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1 is bold, intense, and full-bodied. The peat smoke hits immediately, with a dry, earthy character that is both assertive and complex. It’s smoky, but there’s an unexpected smoothness to the texture, giving it an almost creamy mouthfeel. As the smoke settles, a wave of sweetness emerges, with flavors of honey, toffee, and vanilla. The fruits from the nose also come through, with notes of ripe orchard fruit, especially apples and pears, adding a fresh contrast to the peat. There’s a faint spiciness from the oak, with hints of cinnamon and clove, adding an extra layer of complexity. The combination of intense peat, sweetness, and spice creates a balanced yet powerful flavor profile.
FINISH: The finish of Bruichladdich Octomore 9.1 is long, lingering, and smoky. The peat smoke continues to dominate, with an ashy quality that remains on the palate. The sweetness of honey and vanilla slowly fades, leaving behind a subtle warmth from the oak and spice. The maritime influence persists with a briny, coastal edge that adds a touch of saltiness to the finish. The overall impression is of a whisky that is bold and full of character, with the peat smoke remaining in the background while the sweeter and spicier notes slowly fade into the finish.
Apple Ash Barley Caramel Cinnamon Clove Honey Oak Pear Peat Salt Smoke Toffee Vanilla Zest
Two Brewers Release 12 Peated
8.7
In Collection
Two Brewers Release 12 Peated
0.7L
Canada Malt

Two Brewers Release 12 Peated is a single malt whisky from the Yukon-based distillery, Two Brewers. Known for their experimental and innovative approach to whisky-making, Two Brewers has garnered attention for crafting rich, character-driven whiskies that explore diverse flavor profiles. Release 12 is a peated expression, offering a distinctive take on Canadian whisky. It’s a bold, smoky whisky that showcases the distillery’s ability to balance peat with the smoothness and richness expected from Canadian malts. The whisky is matured in a combination of Canadian oak and American oak casks, which imparts a unique flavor profile, with both sweet and smoky elements at play. This release demonstrates the distillery’s commitment to quality and its passion for pushing the boundaries of Canadian whisky.

NOSE: The nose of Two Brewers Release 12 Peated is immediately smoky and bold. The peat is heavy, with aromas of wet earth, smoldering embers, and burnt wood. It’s a rich, earthy smoke that evokes memories of a campfire or peat bogs. Beneath the peat, there’s a surprising sweetness, with hints of vanilla, honey, and caramel that offer a smooth counterpoint to the smoky intensity. The oak influence is evident, with soft notes of toasted nuts, cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate. A faint fruitiness emerges as well, with notes of dried apples and pears, adding complexity to the overall aroma. The nose is rich, smoky, and inviting, with layers of sweetness and spice that balance the peat.
TASTE: On the palate, Two Brewers Release 12 Peated is full-bodied and intensely flavored. The peat takes center stage, with flavors of charred wood, campfire smoke, and earthy ash. The smoky character is dominant but is tempered by a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that carries the flavors effortlessly across the palate. The sweetness from the nose carries through, with notes of honey, toffee, and caramel providing a lovely contrast to the smoke. The oak influence is more pronounced on the palate, with flavors of vanilla, toasted almonds, and a hint of baking spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s also a subtle fruitiness, with dried fruit notes of figs and raisins, adding depth and complexity to the whisky. The balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy elements creates a rich, harmonious flavor profile.
FINISH: The finish of Two Brewers Release 12 Peated is long and smoky, with the peat lingering on the palate long after the sip. The smoke leaves a dry, ashy sensation, but the sweetness from the honey and vanilla softens the finish, providing a satisfying warmth. The oak spice continues to develop, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, adding a touch of heat and complexity. A faint fruitiness remains on the finish, with dried fruits like figs and raisins continuing to offer a rich, velvety aftertaste. The finish is warm and comforting, with the smoke fading gradually, leaving behind a lingering sweetness and spice.
Almond Apple Ash Campfire Caramel Cinnamon Dark Chocolate Dried Honey Nutmeg Oak Pear Peat Smoke Toast Toffee Vanilla
Longrow Peated
8.7
In Collection
Longrow Peated
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Longrow Peated is a distinctive and celebrated single malt whisky from Springbank Distillery, located in Campbeltown, Scotland. Springbank is known for producing a range of complex, characterful whiskies, and Longrow Peated is one of the standout expressions in their portfolio, representing their commitment to traditional whisky-making techniques combined with a bold peat influence.

NOSE: The nose of Longrow Peated is immediately inviting with a wonderful balance of smoke and sweetness: Peat smoke is the primary note, but it’s not aggressive—it’s more of a gentle, earthy smoke with hints of charcoal, wood ash, and a slight campfire quality. The influence of sherry casks adds layers of complexity, with notes of dried fruit (particularly raisins, prunes, and dates) and a touch of dark chocolate or molasses. A faint note of vanilla and toffee from the bourbon casks adds a rich, sweet layer that complements the peat. There’s also a hint of sea salt and a subtle briny quality, reflecting the coastal influence of the Campbeltown region. A faint touch of spice—perhaps a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg—adds depth to the nose.
TASTE: The palate of Longrow Peated is full-bodied and rich, with the peat flavor in the forefront, but it’s beautifully balanced by sweet and savory elements: The peat is robust, offering flavors of smoky charcoal, burnt wood, and a bit of earthiness. However, it’s not overwhelming—there’s a smoothness to the peat, and it’s more about subtle smokiness than overpowering intensity. The sherry cask influence comes through with dark fruits like plums, raisins, and a touch of figs, giving a sweet richness that contrasts nicely with the smoke. There’s a malty sweetness as well, with notes of honey and toffee, adding depth and a slight creaminess. The whisky also has some spicy notes, with hints of cloves, black pepper, and a slight gingerbread character. The sea salt and brine from the coastal aging influence are subtle but noticeable, lending a hint of salty air that enhances the complexity of the flavor.
FINISH: The finish of Longrow Peated is long and warming, with a satisfying smokiness that lingers: The peat smoke remains on the palate, gradually fading into a soft, lingering note of charred wood and earthy ash. There’s a lingering sweetness of dark fruit and a touch of honey that keeps the finish balanced and pleasant. A final note of spice (particularly pepper) provides a slight heat, while the briny quality returns, adding a maritime edge to the finish. Overall, it’s a clean, dry finish that highlights the smokiness and the subtle sweetness that linger harmoniously.
Ash Bread Brine Campfire Charcoal Cinnamon Clove Dark Chocolate Date Dried Ginger Honey Nutmeg Peat Pepper Prune Salt Smoke Toffee Vanilla
Connemara Turf Mor
8.7
In Collection
Connemara Turf Mor
0.7L
Ireland Malt

Connemara Turf Mór is a peated single malt Irish whisky, produced by the Cooley Distillery. The name "Turf Mór" translates to "big turf" in Irish, a reference to the heavily peated nature of this whisky. Connemara is known for bringing a touch of peat to Irish whisky, which traditionally tends to be unpeated. Turf Mór is one of the more intense expressions from Connemara, featuring a significant peaty influence while maintaining the smoothness and balance expected from Irish whiskey. The whisky is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and some sherry casks, which provide an additional layer of depth and complexity. It's a bold and smoky dram, perfect for those who appreciate peat but want to explore it in an Irish context.

NOSE: The nose of Connemara Turf Mór is immediately striking, with a powerful peat presence. The peat is earthy and smoky, with notes of wet ash, charred wood, and bonfire smoke. It’s rich and intense but not overpowering, with the classic Irish smoothness that prevents the peat from becoming too aggressive. Beneath the smoke, there are subtle hints of fruit, including green apple and pear, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the peat. There’s also a slight medicinal note, with a faint whiff of iodine, and a hint of sea breeze that evokes the coastal influence of the distillery. The oak influence is more subdued but still present, with hints of vanilla, toasted nuts, and a touch of dried herbs, which adds complexity and rounds out the nose.
TASTE: On the palate, Connemara Turf Mór is full-bodied and smoky, with the peat taking center stage. The peat is rich and earthy, with flavors of burnt wood, ash, and a slight leathery note that gives the whisky a rustic, rugged character. Despite the intensity of the smoke, the whisky remains smooth, with a creamy mouthfeel that helps carry the smoky flavors. The sweetness from the fruit and vanilla adds balance, with hints of honey, caramel, and malt that soften the impact of the peat. The oak adds a touch of spice, with cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a light nuttiness. There’s also a slight herbal note, with hints of dried thyme and rosemary, which adds a layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile.
FINISH: The finish of Connemara Turf Mór is long and smoky, with the peat lingering on the palate long after the sip. The smoky, ashy flavors persist, creating a dry and slightly bitter aftertaste, but the sweetness from the honey and fruit helps to balance it out. There’s a hint of oak spice that continues to develop, along with a touch of sea salt and brine, which brings a maritime influence to the finish. The finish is warming and satisfying, with the peaty notes fading gradually, leaving behind a lingering impression of smoky warmth and subtle sweetness.
Apple Ash Brine Caramel Cinnamon Dried Honey Iodine Leather Nutmeg Oak Pear Peat Rose Salt Smoke Thyme Toast Vanilla
Amrut Portpipe Peated Single Cask #2713 (2013)
8.7
In Collection
Amrut Portpipe Peated Single Cask #2713 (2013)
0.7L
India Malt

Amrut's Portpipe Peated Single Cask #2713, distilled in June 2009 and bottled in August 2013 at 59% ABV, is a distinctive Indian single malt whisky. It was initially matured in new American oak casks before being finished in a port pipe, a large cask holding approximately 650 liters.

NOSE: The aroma is rich and complex, featuring smoked bacon, salted pork, and smoked BBQ ribs, creating a "meaty" scent profile. Additional notes include anise, dark chocolate, blueberries, and raisins, offering a harmonious blend of peat and sweetness.
TASTE: The taste begins with a strong presence of peat and sea salt, followed by classic bourbon notes of honey and brown sugar. Hints of honey-glazed ham, anise, dark chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, and black pepper emerge. Tropical fruit flavors like mango and papaya are also present, with a slightly oily mouthfeel.
FINISH: The finish is long, leaving a noticeable tingle on the lips and tongue. Lingering flavors of sea salt, BBQ-glazed ribs, and dried fruits persist, with smoke continuing to linger.
Anise Brown Sugar Caramel Cinnamon Dark Chocolate Dried Honey Meaty Peat Pepper Salt Smoke
Bruichladdich Octomore 10.4
8.8
In Collection
Bruichladdich Octomore 10.4
0.7L
Scotland Malt

Bruichladdich Octomore 10.4 is a bold and heavily peated single malt from Bruichladdich’s Octomore series, which is renowned for pushing the boundaries of peat intensity and experimentation in whisky-making. The Octomore range is often considered one of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world, and the 10.4 is no exception, being a 2013 vintage release with a distinctive maturation profile.

NOSE: The nose of Octomore 10.4 is a deep and captivating experience: Powerful peat smoke is immediately noticeable, but it’s far from being one-dimensional. There’s an earthy, smoldering bonfire quality, with hints of charcoal, campfire embers, and a slight medicinal quality that adds an interesting complexity. Underneath the smoke, there’s a surprising fruitiness from the Sauternes casks. Expect notes of honeyed pears, apricots, and nectarines, along with a touch of citrus zest. There’s also a presence of vanilla and sweet spice, likely from the American oak, providing some creamy sweetness that complements the smoky character. A faint hint of dried herbs or lavender adds a slightly floral note, while a touch of salt gives a hint of the whisky's maritime influences.
TASTE: On the palate, Octomore 10.4 is full-bodied, intense, and layered: Peat is the dominant note, but it’s more refined than overwhelming, with a complex smokiness that’s earthy, slightly medicinal, and woodsy. The smoky presence feels like a blend of charred wood, sandalwood, and damp earth. The Sauternes cask influence is strong, bringing forward tropical fruit, honey, and a rich raisiny sweetness that balances the intensity of the peat. There are notes of grape, pineapple, and apricot jam, which add a juicy sweetness against the smoky backdrop. Spices from the American oak emerge—think vanilla, cinnamon, and a hint of cloves. The sweetness of the oak melds with the peat, creating a layered complexity. There’s a slightly salty element that reflects Bruichladdich’s coastal location, and a touch of lemon zest adds a slight tangy brightness to the overall flavor profile. The mouthfeel is rich and oily, coating the palate and allowing the flavors to linger.
FINISH: The finish is long, warming, and lingering: The peat smoke lingers beautifully, with a soft and charred aftertaste that slowly fades into wood smoke and campfire embers. The fruit sweetness from the Sauternes casks persists on the finish, leaving a lasting impression of honey, dried fruits, and a hint of grape must. There’s a subtle oak bitterness that balances the sweetness, along with a slight salty edge, which gives a maritime touch to the lingering aftertaste. The finish feels drying but with a warmth that carries the smokiness and sweetness well after you’ve swallowed.
Apple Campfire Charcoal Cinnamon Clove Dried Honey Lavender Lemon Oak Pear Peat Pine Salt Sandalwood Smoke Vanilla Zest