2009 Rest & Be Thankful Bruichladdich Octomore Tempranillo Cask 6 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The owners of the independent whisky company, Fox Fitzgerald, have historical links with Bruichladdich's Directors and Shareholders, all of whom have amassed some incredible casks of Bruichladdich, Octomore and Port Charlotte. Fox Fitzgerald proposed bottling all of these under the 'Rest and Be Thankful' label. The curious title was adapted from a landmark on the A83: As one drives from the major Scottish towns to the whisky meccas of Islay and Campbelltown, there’s a picturesque spot marked by a stone with an inscription placed by the soldiers who built the original military road in 1753. It reads “Rest and be Thankful” - appropriate, given the road out of Glen Crow is so long and so steep! It was a tradition for travellers to rest at the top and be thankful for having reached the highest point.

While the company has branched out to include other distilleries, a large proportion of RBT's casks still come from Bruichladdich, including this remarkable Octomore: Distilled in 2009 and bottled after 6 years in a barrel that previously contained Tempranillo wine. The tasting sample was limited to 20ml - just enough to paint the picture and recommend.

Tasting note: Striking amber with a pale rust-orange blush and thick legs. Sensational peaty lift with aromas of smoked ham, lanolin and hints of iodine in the opening phase followed by cough lozenge, bacon and kipper-like scents. Later passes emphasise haystack, chook shed, manure and sweet-earth like notes. Mezcal-like in the mouth; rich and creamy on entry then gently bittersweet with flavours of sooty peat, brine and lanolin; Finish features beeswax, sweet cigar box with latent sugars carrying the aftertaste. An earthy Octomore with strong references to high-end mezcal. 291 bottles released. 65.7 Alc./Vol.