Octomore 12.3 (70cl)

Octomore 12.3 is an Islay single malt from Bruichladdich, the distillery known for working with the most heavily peated barley in the world. It was produced in 2016 as a blend of two whiskies matured differently, in a 70cl bottle. Seventy-five per cent spent five years in ex-bourbon casks from Heaven Hill, Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam and Buffalo Trace. The other 25% spent five years in ex-Pedro Ximenez Solera sherry casks from the Fernando de Castilla bodega in Jerez. The nose offers raisins, dates, smoke, tobacco and orange blossom. The palate is sweet and smoky, with dark chocolate, peat and red berries, then toffee and tobacco. The finish is long, with charcoal, salt and dried figs.