Octomore 17.1 59.7% 70cl

Octomore 17.1 59.7% 70cl Bruichladdich’s smoky offshoot returns with much fanfare, and a trio of edition 17 bottlings. This one, 17.1, is distilled from Scottish mainland Concerto barley, peated to a hefty 81ppm. It’s then been aged in first-fill bourbon barrels for five years, ahead of bottling at 59.7% ABV. The result? Mouthwatering custard tart, Scottish tablet, pear drop and vanilla notes, with wafts of earthy smoke and an outdoorsy salinity. Top stuff from the Islay single malt distillery.