Bruichladdich – Octomore 10.3 (70cl, 61.3%)

Octomore 10.3 is a heavily peated Islay single malt from Bruichladdich, bottled at 61.3% in a 70cl bottle. It is the first .3 release of Octomore to be matured for six years, and it measures 144 ppm. It was distilled entirely from Concerto barley and matured only in ex-American oak casks. It is free of colouring, and the outturn was 24,000 bottles. The colour is a very pale straw. On the nose come peat smoke, lemon and thyme, followed by salty notes and vanilla. The palate brings smoke, honey and lemon, with pear and gooseberries, and a salty feel on the lips. The finish is long, with peat smoke and a light saltiness.