Product Description: Bruichladdich Octomore 15.3 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a true powerhouse of flavour, peated to an intense 307.2 PPM, making it the second most heavily peated release in Octomore’s history. This extraordinary whisky is made from 100% Islay-grown Concerto barley sourced from Octomore Farm, located just 2 miles from the distillery. The 15.3 expression is a complex and robust whisky, balancing formidable peat smoke with the ripe fruit character that comes from patient distillation. Matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill Oloroso hogsheads from Fernando de Castilla in Jerez, Spain, this whisky showcases a unique interplay of sweet malty notes, burnt sugar, creamy vanilla, and citrus fruits, all wrapped in earthy, intense peat smoke. The salty sea spray that kisses the barley evokes a true sense of place, bringing the essence of Islay into every dram. Octomore 15.3 is not just a whisky; it’s a symphony of flavour, a bold and dynamic expression of the terroir, and a remarkable addition to the Octomore series. Maker: Bruichladdich Distillery is renowned for its bold and progressive approach to whisky-making, consistently challenging traditional whisky norms while embracing the best of Scottish craftsmanship. Since its revival in 2001, Bruichladdich has become a leader in producing exceptional single malts, with a focus on terroir and provenance. The distillery uses 100% Scottish-grown barley, with particular emphasis on the local Islay barley, reflecting the land and the unique character of the island. Bruichladdich’s commitment to minimal intervention ensures that the whisky retains its authentic character and allows the natural elements—barley, cask, and Islay’s climate—to shine through in every bottle. The distillery’s meticulous production process, which includes slow fermentation, trickle distillation, and selective maturation, results in whiskies that are both expressive and innovative. Bruichladdich's dedication to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship is evident in every dram, with each expression offering a distinctive taste of Islay. Philosophy: At Bruichladdich, the philosophy is centred around creating whisky that reflects the true essence of the land, its people, and its climate. With a focus on provenance, Bruichladdich strives to produce whiskies that are not only exceptional in quality but also thought-provoking in their expression of terroir. The distillery's approach embraces minimal intervention, allowing the natural character of the barley and the influence of the casks to shape the whisky. Bruichladdich challenges industry conventions by rethinking the whisky-making process and staying true to the core values of sustainability and quality. By working with local Islay barley, the distillery deepens its connection to the land, producing whiskies that tell a story of place, heritage, and innovation. Bruichladdich’s commitment to these principles ensures that each whisky, whether peated or unpeated, reflects the unique spirit of Islay and the distillery’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. Tasting Notes: NOSE Peat Smoke, Burnt Sugar, Vanilla, Citrus The nose opens with powerful peat smoke, backed by a sweetness of burnt sugar and smooth vanilla. Hints of citrus fruits emerge, adding a refreshing brightness to the bold smoky character. PALATE Ripe Fruit, Malty Sweetness, Intense Peat A full-bodied palate, where ripe fruit and malty sweetness come to the forefront, balanced by the intense peat smoke that Octomore is known for. The richness of the spirit is complemented by the smoothness of oak and the complexity of the cask influence. FINISH Earthy, Salty, Lingering Smoke The finish is long and earthy, with lingering peat smoke, a touch of salt from the Islay sea air, and a gentle sweetness that balances the intensity of the peat. The oak influence is subtle but adds depth and complexity to the dram.

Jim Murray's Japanese Whisky of the Year for 2022. The small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies from Kurayoshi have been impressive. Blenders here often combine malt whisky from Scotland with locally produced whisky. This is not an uncommon practice in Japan, and the exact breakdown typically remains undisclosed. There have been several strong reviews for the 18 YO (see below). One can't help noticing the similarity in packaging to Suntory's Yamazaki 18...

Tasting note: The deep mahogany / gold ochre hue stains the sides of the glass and shows good viscosity. Mildly prickly aroma offers suggestions of pancake, dilute maple syrup and mocha. Little variation in the second phase which, if anything sees the intensity drop a notch. Light entry opens to a plush, clean, richly sherried profile; semi sweet Christmas cake flavours, hollowing out at the finish, concluding with vanilla and caramel at the fade. 45% Alc./Vol.

For over 150 years, the Dalmore has set the standard in multi cask maturation. Hand selected casks, from the world's finest bodegas and wineries are expertly curated to create a sumptuous and layered whisky of legendary finesse. The Dalmore 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been matures in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and aged in Matusalem oloroso sherry casks.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

This uncommonly exquisite 25 year old liquid is a non-chill filtered marriage of sherried, oaky flavours from second fill European Oak Oloroso sherry casks with sweet vanilla notes from American white oak bourbon barrels, bottled at casks strength. Laphroiag 25 Year Old is one of the most unique of all malt whiskies. The exceptional character of this expression makes this a whisky truly worth savouring.Sweet vanilla and wood spice, smoke and TCP, though restrained, some smoked bacon, with underlying dried fruit added to the mix. Palate is very creamy and rich, with a full texture, peppery, spicy, iodine, saline and smokiness. There's also a little green apple fruit. Very long and layered finish, with waves of rich smoke and a peppery conclusion.

Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, the Parliament continues the great GlenDronach tradition of offering fruit-laden intensity in its single malts. This rich expression has been named Parliament after the colony, or parliament, of rooks that have been nesting in the trees that overlook the GlenDronach distillery for almost 200 years. Bottled at 48%, the Parliament is non chill filtered and of natural colour.

Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Scotch Whisky has enticing fruity aromas of sweet orange and peach, followed by notes of marzipan and nuts. Hints of rich milk chocolate orange and a fondant creaminess are the lead in to a finish that is smooth rounded and luxuriously long.