The October Outturn is traditionally a little smaller, a little quieter than the big November beast at the SMWS. But damn tradition, as it leaves less room for excellent drams!

This outturn was filled with great whiskies. My favourites were the lemon-sweet Auchentoshan, the slightly insane Glen Moray, and the luscious Balmenach.

But there's plenty of good drams besides, with a superb Longmorn, a cracking Dailuaine, a wonderful Mannochmore and a delightful Glen Scotia. In the peaty stakes none of them are slouches, but my favourite was probably the Bunnahabhain.

A great effort, which I fear might sit in the shadow of what's coming...