Bruichladdich – Octomore 13.2 (70cl, 58.3%)

Octomore 13.2 is a heavily peated Islay single malt from Bruichladdich, made from 100% Scottish Concerto barley harvested in 2015 and malted to 137.3 ppm. It was distilled in 2016 and matured for five years in first-fill ex-Oloroso sherry casks from a Jerez bodega, then bottled at the distillery at 58.3% in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colouring. The nose combines nutty, salty smoke with creamy milk chocolate, leathery tobacco, orange syrup and grapefruit. On the palate come smoked nuts, leather, warmed orange marmalade on scones, and dried apricots with a little pepper. The finish joins smoke to nutty fruit and salty, mineral notes.