Most Octomore editions are matured for five years, but this one gets twice the time and a wider variety of casks, with a complex recipe of first and second-fill American Oak along with Virgin Oak casks. The 100% Scottish barley was peated to a whopping 208 parts per million of phenols, but that’s not apparent on the nose with its gentle, refined smokiness and hints of Manuka honey, tropical fruits, and brine. The taste is briny, thick, and nectar-like with a good smokiness, hints of grilled pineapple, mango, papaya, and oak tannins. The finish is long, smoky, and gentle with subtle hints of citrusy tartness. Excellent! (September, 2020)