Buichladdich Whisky Sample Rock'ndaal 01.2 Feis Ile 2022 Release (30ml, 50%)

Buichladdich Whisky Sample Rock'ndaal 01.2 Feis Ile 2022 Release (30ml, 50%)

The Bruichladdich Rock'ndaal 01.2 (Fèis Ìle 2022 Release) is a fascinating experiment in "fusion." While many distilleries stick to one spirit style for their festival bottlings, Bruichladdich decided to blend their entire portfolio history into a single glass.

This release is a vatting of three distinct spirits—Bruichladdich (unpeated), Port Charlotte (heavily peated), and Octomore (super heavily peated)—all brought together for a "symphony of smoke" and fruit.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vibrant and red-fruit forward. It opens with bright cherries, raspberries, and dried apricots. The peat is present but well-integrated, smelling more like toasted oak, warm cinnamon, and cloves than a campfire. As it breathes, deeper notes of fudge, treacle syrup, and freshly cut grass emerge, with a subtle maritime salinity in the background.

Palate: A "chewy" and structural experience. The arrival is a mix of strawberry and rhubarb crumble followed by a spicy kick of pink peppercorns and dried chili flakes. Mid-palate, the Octomore influence provides a smoldering cinder and ashy quality, while the wine casks contribute dark chocolate and honeyed nuts. It is notably dry and tannic, providing a great "grip" on the tongue.

Finish: Medium to long. It leaves a lingering trail of red fruit syrup and toasted coconut. The final impression is one of drying oak, light smoke, and a touch of ginger spice.

Why it's special 

• The "Triple Malt" Blend: It is incredibly rare to see Octomore used as a blending component for a festival release. It acts as a "seasoning" here, providing a baseline of heavy smoke that supports the more delicate wine-cask flavors.

• The Five-Cask Complexity: While 01.1 was pure bourbon, 01.2 utilized a mix of European oak, including Wine and Sherry casks. This creates a much more "European" and "autumnal" profile compared to the "summer" vibes of the 01.1.

• The 50% "Sweet Spot": Bruichladdich often bottles at 50% (the "Laddie" standard), which provides enough power to carry the smoke without the aggressive burn of a full cask strength Octomore.