Octomore 15.1 Scottish Barley (59.1%)

Octomore is Bruichladdich's heavily peated Islay single malt, and this is the 15th release, opening with the .1 bottling. It is five years old, bottled at cask strength of 59.1% ABV, and peated to 108.2 ppm. It is made from 100% Scottish Concerto barley and was matured entirely on Islay in first-fill ex-bourbon and re-charred ex-bourbon casks. It is non-chill-filtered and has no added colour. The nose is complex and smoky, with caramel, oily sweet vanilla and malt. The palate brings strong but elegant peat smoke, smoked apricot jam, mango and banana. The sweetness gradually fades in the finish, leaving glowing peat, a little sea salt and earthy notes.