Elements of Islay Oc6 (Octomore)

This young Octomore was distilled in 2011 and aged in ex-bourbon barrels for more than eight years. As expected, it’s packed with pungent smoke, but also offers a wealth of citrus fruit and toasted grain flavours. 870 bottles produced in total.

Core flavour: Smoke and Marmalade.

Cask details: 2011 distillate aged in ex-bourbon barrels.

Nose: Burnt matches and iodine softened by lemon and orange peel, tinned fruit and maraschino cherries. Sumptuous melted caramel and ginger emerge after adding a drop of water.

Palate: The chewy texture instantly erupts with hot peat and astringent smoke, before opening up into sea salt and cracked black pepper. Past the spice, there’s a generous helping of grapefruit marmalade spread on toasted rye bread.

Finish: Dry finish with more citrus fruit, malted barley, tarragon and green tomatoes.