NV Octomore 2.2 Orpheus (61%)

Character: Wow! A single malt life support system! Massive, power-packed yet not aggressive. Petrus and Peat – who would have guessed that such diverse flavours could create something so amazing? Single malt sorcery! Colour: Golden orange. Nose: Opens on a mix of peat, bracken, smoky bacon, dry seaweed, pitch, tarry fishnets. Then subtle notes of Islay’s moors and glens; rowan, ash, juniper, heather flowers and peaty riverbanks. Add water and succulent red fruits emerge, plums, ripe grapes, redcurrant jelly, raspberry, cherry and Turkish Delight. Palate: The heat of the 61% Alc. stokes the fire and all the aromatic discoveries explode on the palate; the smoke, the succulent red fruits, mellow oak, malted barley, a squeeze of lemon, a dash of black pepper, a hint of heather honey and, finally, a trace of bourbon.Finish: The crucible of the senses. A thrilling taste experience! If Islay passion were liquid then this would be it. Rejoice that one distiller continues to go where no malt has gone before and become part of the journey!