A single vintage, single field, single malt. This Octomore 12.3 is a thoroughly Islay whisky, made from local barley and matured on the island for five years. It spent its maturation in two separate journeys, 75% in ex-American whiskey casks and 25% in PX Solera casks from Jerez. This is malted to 118.1ppm, and is free from chill filtration and artificial colouring. This bottle is a eye-watering 62.1% abv. This dram is a burst of sherried, fruity, and of course, smoky flavours.
Seaweed, raisins, charcoal and orange blossom burst from the glass on the nose, followed by aromas of honeysucks, tobacco, milk chocolate, and vanilla. The palate is full of velvety dark chocolate and earthy peat smoke, with the characteristic sherried fruits shining. The peat smoke and fruit dominate the flavours, but there is also subtle notes of sweet pastry and toasted oak underlying. The finish is bitter, with hints of salted lemons, bitter chocolate, charcoal, figs, and soot. A cracker.