Octomore 17.2 begins with the same Scottish mainland barley and 81 PPM peat level as 17.1, then heads off in a richer and rather more indulgent direction. After four years in second-fill French oak casks that had previously held Californian red wine and then bourbon, the whisky was finished in first-fill Port barriques. The result brings ripe raspberry, blackcurrant and dark berry flavours together with citrus oils, warming spice and dry, steadily building peat smoke. Sweet malt and jammy fruit provide plenty of generosity, while maritime salt and char keep everything unmistakably Octomore. Bottled at 59.5%, it is rich, vibrant and beautifully put together. If 17.1 is Octomore standing confidently on its own, 17.2 is the same whisky dressed for a particularly good night out.

Octomore is Bruichladdich’s ongoing exploration of just how far peat can be pushed without losing elegance, balance or character. Distilled on Islay and released in limited annual editions, these whiskies arrive with formidable PPM figures, youthful age statements and plenty of natural strength, yet there is far more going on here than smoke for smoke’s sake. Beneath the peat lies a surprisingly graceful spirit, filled with sweetness, fruit, texture and coastal freshness. Each series plays with different combinations of barley provenance and cask maturation, giving every release its own distinct personality. Bold, unconventional and frequently surprising, Octomore is serious whisky that never takes the conventional route

700mL | 59.5%ABV