Octomore 09.3 Dialogos

It doesn't have a very strong scent, but it does have some bitter, earthy peat notes at the base. The aroma has a mushroom-like quality, but overall it isn't particularly exciting. It smells somewhat like gauze. This has a scent more typical of Scotch than most Octomores. The palate is also more conventional, with notes of old socks and unpleasant bread appearing. The flavors are quite sharp, with some floral and light fruit notes making an appearance. It's somewhat like sea spray combined with peaty rubber and some floral and fruity elements. The fruits are limited to apple and lemon, but at least that's present. There's virtually no caramel, but there are wood and rich components. It's passable, but not especially enjoyable. There are some seaside and herbal complexities, but they are subtle. It might be more balanced than Laphroaig, but it's also less bold and engaging. Some grain comes through, but it isn't very exciting. Yes, there's something here, but it tastes a lot like a more alcoholic Laphroaig 10 and is about as good with water added. The touch of citrus on the finish is a nice touch, though.

Nose: milk and liquid smoke. Smoked gouda. Mild peat, slightly herbal. Taste: amazing! Rich and viscous, salty, with malt. Intense flavor. Pleasantly warm. Faint fruit notes, like a fruit pie made with whisky. Citrus or stone fruit. Salty sea spray. This Octomore isn't the usual peaty style. Finish: sour, dry, with additional peat and vanilla emerging from the background. After adding a few drops of water: Nose: vanilla, lemon, and traces of cherry. Palate: honey, malt, and grape flavors. Softer initially, finishing quite zesty. More herbal notes are present. Finish: not particularly lengthy. Fruity, with vanilla. Little peat. Overall, a really engaging spirit, but not what one typically anticipates from Octomore. I enjoyed it greatly, though I desired a bit more peat.

This marks my 100th review - remarkable. Nose - Vanilla, confectioners' sugar, custard, hints of pastry crust, and, naturally, intense smoke. Taste - Sweet vanilla, toasted bread, surprisingly some oak (like a popsicle stick), and, of course, copious amounts of smoke. Finish - My mouth is coated with pure sweet smoke. The 9.3 appears to showcase the new make from Octomore exceptionally well. It possesses a creamy texture and a substantial body, with the alcohol providing a drying sensation. At $230, you'll want to keep backups of these. It lacks a bit of complexity and feels somewhat drying in the mouth. Otherwise, it's outstanding.

Nose: honey; sea salt; earthy peat; pineapple juice; oranges; rubber Palate: Earthy peat; cherry cough syrup; nectarines; blood orange; bitter walnuts Finish: A lengthy, smooth finish with peat smoke; bitter oak; orange creamsicles This is neither my favorite nor least favorite Octomore. I would not purchase this bottle because the bitter oak note I perceive towards the end of the palate is quite unappealing. The nose is rather pleasant and contains some excellent flavors, but the bitterness is overwhelming.

Smell: Dried fruit, smoke, spice, caramel, malt, toasted nuts, and oil. Taste: Artificial smoke, sweet BBQ, spice, caramel, toasted nuts, and dehydrated bananas. Aftertaste: Lingering sweet BBQ and smoke with a hint of fruit.

Delightful and consistent, with the characteristic petroleum aroma. On the palate, there's ash and a subtle note of salted kettlecorn, likely from the bourbon cask influence. While not as intricate as some Octomores, it is remarkably harmonious.