The 15th release in the super heavily-peated Octomore range from the Bruichladdich distillery on Islay. 15.3 is produced from 100% Islay-grown concerto barley from Octomore Farm and then peated to 307.2ppm (the distillery's second most heavily peated release to date). Distilled in 2018 from the 2017 harvest and matured for 5 years in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill Oloroso hogsheads from Fernando de Castilla, Jerez, Spain. Non-chillfiltered, naturally coloured and bottled at a cask strength of 61.3%. (Bottle size 70cl)

Nose: Smoked cinder toffee, rich malted Islay barley sugar and honey come to the fore, balanced with fresh citrus. Dried fruit and crushed seashells mingle with Octomore’s heady peat smoke, with cloves, toasted nuts and a hint of coconut adding depth and complexity. Butterscotch, brown sugar and warm bread pave the way for the cereal-forward single malt whisky.

Palate: High strength yet exceptionally soft in texture, Octomore 15.3 is unmistakably rounded and viscous. Butterscotch and creamy vanilla enhance its smooth character, punctuated with dried fruit and sweet orange zest. Toasted oak and locally grown barley sugar are underpinned with waves of dry smoke.

Finish: Burnt sugar, coconut, and delicate sea spray linger on the finish, with the lasting impression of earthy peat smoke forcing you to come back for more.