Octomore 09.1 Dialogos

I don't really discriminate against Islay malts. I enjoy a Lagavulin 16 or a Uigeadail, but some of the more intense ones like Laphroaig feel a bit like getting a shot. So, why am I trying this? First, I won't be discussing subtle notes or hints of anything, because there's absolutely nothing understated about this. Five years old, and quite pale. It's close to new make, but this spirit is barely legal. The aroma covers a very small range. Bring it into a room and everyone will inquire about it even before you open the bottle. I tasted it neat, without water, mainly because I'm afraid a few drops might amplify it even further. It's already quite open. On my first taste, I chuckled. "Over the top" would imply a limit exists. It was like being hit with burning peat, then struck on the head with a large, soft hammer. As if such things only happen in cartoons. But the peat and smoke, while overwhelmingly prominent, lack any harshness. Followed by sweetness and fruitiness (delivered playfully). Then a depth and complexity of flavor that makes me wonder how that's possible with only 5 years of aging. You can almost feel its texture. The lingering taste is delightful and will remain for hours. Perhaps days. As I mentioned, I'm not a big fan of intense peat. I also don't drink heavily. If I have one serving a week, that's a lot. Yet, I found myself drawn back to this spirit. I had a serving every night for the first week after purchasing it. It would be an overstatement to say I adore this spirit. What I can say is that I find it deeply and remarkably engaging.

This presents less sweet meatiness than the 8.1. It smells smoky and peaty, but also clean. There's some meatiness to the aroma, but it's less salty as well. A hint of portobello mushroom rounds out the nose. The palate is unexpectedly refreshing, with notes of mint and florals alongside some fruit. Naturally, it's packed with peat and a significant amount of smoke. This has more smoke and less meatiness than the 8.1. There's also some enjoyable toasted wood here, contributing a touch of toffee with almonds. The complexity is solid, though not dramatic. I appreciate how it executes its flavors with clean finishes and a touch of sweetness rather than excessive bitterness. The balance is surprisingly good. Numerous herbal notes are difficult to pinpoint but complement the mild lemon flavor well. It possesses a wide range of flavors and deserves recognition for its balance. It's easy enough to drink neat, but adding water helps to soften it slightly. More herbal notes and a medicinal quality emerge, but they don't overpower and it actually balances quite well, leaving a rich, creamy finish. Hints of raisin even appear on the finish, harmonizing with the chocolate. It has spices like clove and cinnamon that create a good pairing. It's a bit too similar to Laphroaig, but otherwise, it's very complex and balanced. This is an excellent spirit.

The aroma is a fantastic meaty scent of burnt end brisket with smoky, caramelized barbecue sauce. Beneath that is a syrupy sweet canned stone fruit like peaches and mangoes, along with rich toffee and charred oak with a touch of vanilla and earthy peat smoke. On the palate, it's very rich, but the alcohol strength doesn't feel aggressive at all. It has nutty chocolate fudge with soft creamy caramel and chewy black licorice. Black pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of floral barley. In the finish, there's a long, peaty, smoky flavor with dense molasses and a hint of sea salt. With water added, the nose becomes lighter with more bourbon cask aroma and notes of pear and mint. The palate becomes significantly more intense with coarse sea salt, cracked peppercorns, earthy smoke, and vanilla caramel. This extends the finish and leaves a dry, smoky oak flavor with a hint of anise. Malt Mark: 96

Nose: The peat smoke is unmissable upon first sniff, a signature of Octomore. As you continue to inhale, the sweetness of vanilla can be detected. Taste: A sensory journey. Intense peat smoke, followed by seawater, then sweet vanilla. It's intense and dry, yet smooth for being 59% ABV. Finish: The finish is long, quite long. Peat is present, followed by smooth oak. Adding a little water balances the peat with the other elements, allowing sweet citrus and even faint caramel to emerge. An experience! Must try!

Remarkable balance of flavor considering its immense peat (156PPM) and high proof. I can't believe so much flavor can be added to a 5-year-old whisky. On the nose, it has what you'd anticipate from a classic Islay: cigars, smoke, bonfires, seaweed, mince pies, spent fireworks, and Christmas cake, along with applewood. On the palate, it shifts completely, offering flavors of boiled sweets, figs, prunes, vanilla, cocoa, nougat, fudge, and treacle, concluding with a long, dry, spicy finish.

Nose: Herbal scents, earl grey tea, dry moss, fresh cut hay, faint honey and biscuits Palate: Rich, smooth, oily. Sweet honey and cream, dry wood campfire Finish: An immediate wave of earthy peat. Smoke intensifies after swallowing and persists. In the background: honeycomb, cream, vanilla, candied ginger For a 5 year old spirit, this is remarkably intricate, rich, and opulent.