Bruichladdich – Octomore 15.1 (70cl, 59.1%)

Octomore 15.1 is a peated single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery, in a 70cl bottle at 59.1% ABV. The colour is in yellow and orange tones. The nose combines caramel and bright citrus with the dry, earthy peat smoke of Octomore, then spiced aniseed, vanilla and soft custard, with tropical fruit, geranium and a hint of ginger alongside sweet malt. On the palate the immediate intensity is balanced by dry malt and earthy smoke, with mango, banana and apricot jam against the peat, rounded by vanilla cream and toffee. A drop of water opens up the smoke and brings subtle marine notes and warm sand.