Islay PX Octave Specials by McNeill’s Choice Released

A bold double release of peated and unpeated single malts finished in rare old PX casks

Independent bottler McNeill’s Choice introduces two striking new Islay single malts — one peated, one unpeated — both refined in extremely rare 50L PX Octave casks. These tiny octaves are reconstructions from 30–40 year old Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, delivering maximum cask influence in a limited-volume format. The result is two dramatically different whiskies released under evocative names: Revival Batch #2 and Angel’s Massacre.

Design and Presentation

Each bottling arrives with artisanal flair, reflecting McNeill’s commitment to small-batch excellence. With only 72 bottles of the peated Revival Batch #2 and 65 bottles of the unpeated Angel’s Massacre, these limited editions are true collector’s items. The names are more than poetic — they reflect both the origins and fate of each whisky. Revival pays tribute to Islay’s peaty past, while Angel’s Massacre nods to a heavenly “theft” that dropped ABV below expectation, but left behind a lush, concentrated dram.

Maturation and Flavor Profile

Both whiskies were finished for three months in ultra-small 50L PX Octaves — crafted from ancient sherry casks and reassembled to create an intense maturation effect.

Revival Batch #2 (10yo, 52.1% ABV) revives the bold essence of Laphroaig in cask strength, merging dense peat smoke with PX sweetness. It delivers raw Islay character alongside chocolate, pepper, roasted coffee, and dried fruits — a whisky that “tastes wet,” with notes of storm-soaked herbs, iodine, and charred bacon.

Angel’s Massacre (12yo, 45.9% ABV), an unpeated Bunnahabhain, impresses with velvety depth despite its lower-than-expected ABV. The angels claimed much, but left behind a dram brimming with salted caramel, plums, vanilla ice cream, and a complex blend of Arabian coffee, dark chocolate, and figs.

Tasting Notes

Revival Batch #2 – 10 Years Old (Peated)

• Nose: Iodine, seaweed, bandages, black pepper, wet earth, and bacon
• Palate: Peat explosion, milk chocolate, plum tart, espresso-roast
• Finish: Lingering peat with dried fruits, herbs, honey, and fireplace ash

Angel’s Massacre – 12 Years Old (Unpeated)

• Nose: Salted caramel, hazelnuts, raisins, vanilla, Kinder chocolate
• Palate: Creamy milk chocolate, Arabic coffee, mocha, dried dark fruits
• Finish: Sea salt, figs, chocolate-covered nuts, maritime salinity

Available now via Celtic Events, these exclusive whiskies are priced at €124.90 (Revival Batch #2) and €99.90 (Angel’s Massacre), with sample bottles offered for tasting before the full plunge.