Ochdamh-mòr Masterclass 08.4 

The effect of virgin oak on whisky can be dramatic. Head Distiller Adam Hannett must balance the immense sensory force of the raw wood whilst retaining the subtle complexity of the Octomore spirit. The solution demands a complex cask management system. Although all of the spirit in Octomore 08.4 is eight years old just 20% has been held full-term in virgin oak. 80% was originally introduced to American oak, first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, before being transferred into the European virgin oak that had previously held Octomore 07.4.

From Bruichladdich's outstanding and striking Octomore range comes the Masterclass 08.4 8 Year Old. Originally distilled in 2009, the 08.4 edition is made from 100% Scottish malted barley from the 2008 harvest to 170ppm. This spirit was then matured for eight years, with 80% of it spending time initially in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks and then European virgin oak that had previously held Octomore 07.4, while the remaining 20% was held full-term in virgin oak. 

Like its Islay neighbour Bunnahabhain, Bruichladdich has traditionally been an un-peated single malt, mostly owing to its requirements by the blenders who owned it. The last of these was Whyte and Mackay, who eventually shut it down in 1995, deeming it surplus to requirements. They sold the distillery to Murray McDavid in 2001, who launched the peated Port Charlotte and heavily-peated Octomore single malts in 2006 and 2008. A recommissioned Lomond still also now produces the popular Botanist gin there.