BRUICHLADDICH 09.1 OCTOMORE 750ML

On the nose: a lovely elegance, and softness – curiously, despite the peat levels, despite the high ABV. More barley-driven: a huge maltiness, earthiness, farm-yardy kind of note (more so when the glass is agitated). Beyond that: the peat is more like an Assam, a strong black tea. Heather honey. Old English roses. Come to it later still: baked scones, a little ginger maybe. In the mouth: gorgeous, mouth-filling creaminess (madam); surprisingly gentle, and for all of the flavour components: vanilla led, but there’s a brightness about it rather than a sickliness; black tea, more Lapsang Souchong now. That barley component is still bold; merges with the peat, so I have found over the years with Octomore and Port Charlotte, that one can’t quite discern where the maltiness ends and the smoke begins. The velvety texture lingers somewhat: it’s slightly cloying, it’s still filling – right at the end. A lovely umami note, balancing out. But the flavours are mellow, they’re not bold; there is nothing in your face here, at all. And perhaps that’s slightly disappointing.