Bruichladdich Octomore Scottish Barley Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Scotland H06

Each release is a powerful illustration of the art of the master distiller. Each is necessarily unique, limited, finite, a celebration of nuance. It can never be reproduced. For Octomore 07.1 barley harvested from mainland Scotland was peated to 208ppm. Five years in American oak. Sweet and gentle belying an awesome power and hidden depths. Summer sun on Hebridean sand. Initially, the nose is sea spray and caramel, lemon balm and pipe tobacco.

Slowly, the peat smoke rises from the glass, gentle but strong lifting vanilla, mint, toffee, golden syrup and almond. Peach follows with pear syrup and buttercup. A symphony, a delight to experience. Smoothness, sweetness and then smoke. A texture like no other, satin-soft and devilishly warming. The American oak influence is in perfect tune with the smoke and soft fruits delicately, skilfully coaxed from the still during exceptionally slow distillation.

Vanilla, honey, citrus rise up to be met with sea spray and leather, autumn bracken and crème brûlée. As the sweetness from the oak fades the salt comes to the fore one last time while the gentle peat smoke steady and true grows and outlasts all else.