Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1

Bruichladdich Octomore 15.1 is the control bottling of the distillery's fifteenth Octomore series, a super heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky phenolled to 108.2 PPM. Distilled from 100% Scottish barley, it was matured for five years in a mix of first-fill bourbon barrels and re-charred ex-bourbon casks, so the peat smoke and the spirit speak without any European oak influence. As with every Octomore it is un-chill filtered, free of added colouring, matured entirely on Islay and reduced with Islay spring water, here to a robust 59.1% ABV in a 700ml bottle. The style is sleek and powerful: smooth vanilla custard and sweet charred oak set against heady, earthy smoke.

Tasting Notes: Vanilla custard, charred oak, citrus and tropical fruit under dense peat smoke.

Nose: Caramel and citrus zest wrapped in dry, earthy smoke, then aniseed, vanilla custard, mango and banana.

Palate: Warming and malty-sweet, with apricot jam and toffee riding on intense peat.

Finish: Long and maritime, with charred oak, vanilla and a fresh sea-spray edge.

Serve: Neat, or with a few drops of water to open up the fruit beneath the smoke.