52 tonnes of precious Islay barley have been malted to produce this single farm Octomore 09.3 edition. Raised in Irene’s Field on Octomore Farm in 2011, this uber-provenance single malt was later distilled and made 134 casks. Predominantly second-fill, the softer influence of the wood allows more of the locally grown barley flavours to cut through the legendary peat smoke.

In the glass you see a beautiful rusty hue, almost like sepia. On the nose there is malted barley, horlicks, the smell of the mash going into the mashtun. Heather wildfire, black tea, golden syrup and lemon sponge. On the palate we get golden syrup from the tin, smoked tea, wort, malted barley, pear, peach melba. Sea spray and heather flowers. This rounds to a smoky, toasted oak, rye bread and salty finish.

Malted to 133 PPM (Peat Per Million). Five aged years in 1st fill ex-American (25%), 3rd fill virgin oak (25%), 2nd fill Rivesaltes (20%), 2nd fill Syrah (20%), 2nd fill bourbon (10%). Limited to 18,000 bottles.