Octomore 10.2/96.9 Scottish Barley

I'm on a streak with the 4.5 ratings. I expect this will be the fourth in a row. The aroma is a blend of salty sweet wine and smoke. The peat appears slightly more dominant than the Sauternes, yet they are quite balanced – which is somewhat unexpected considering the PPM is still close to 100 (even though this might be one of the least intensely peated Octomores). Scents include peach, citrus, tropical fruit, sandy seashell, slightly medicinal peat, and campfire smoke. The palate mirrors the balance observed in the aroma. It's a bit warmer than anticipated, leading me to add a small amount of water. It starts off smooth and sweet with the dessert wine notes, then shifts to smoky peat. On the palate, the sweetness is less fruity and more akin to confectionary. Some pepper emerges as it transitions into the finish. It seems the sweetness lingers longer than the peat. Out of curiosity, I compared this directly with Balcones Peated Sauternes Cask. Initially, I thought it would be an interesting comparison, and that the Octomore would easily prevail. To my surprise, I found the aroma of the Balcones to be superior. However, I favored the Octomore on the palate. I preferred the briny and medicinal peat flavor in the Octomore. Overall, they are much more evenly matched than I had predicted, but I believe I would rank the Octomore slightly higher. While this earns an overall 4.5 rating, considering the price, I anticipated a bit more. I had a similar experience of being somewhat underwhelmed by the only other Octomore tasting I've had. It will be an enjoyable bottle to share with friends, but I'm not sure I'll be eager to purchase another anytime soon.

Aroma: Sweet smoke, black pepper, sweet teriyaki meat jerky, sea salt (less "meaty" and more fruity with water). Taste: Sweet, ashy smoke, sweet golden raisins, black pepper, sea salt, a light sour lactic/sour grape "funk," savory sweet smoked meats (with water: sweet "dry" smoke, more peppery, salt, golden raisins, a white pepper tingle, the lactic sour "funk" is more noticeable at the end of the swallow). Finish: Lingering sweet white pepper/ash, sweet golden raisins (unchanged with water). Score: 94/100 Concluding Remarks: I'm not entirely certain if I simply have a strong preference for Bruichladdich products or if their peat character perfectly suits my palate. Even their Octomore, which is reputed to have very high ppm levels of peat, doesn't strike me as excessive. I find their peat to be exceptionally clean, complementing their spirit, which, in my opinion, possesses a distinctive lactic "funk" and salinity that truly appeals to my taste. The balance of sweet and savory in this expression is just right for me, without being overwhelming. Perhaps it's the slightly older age of this Octomore or the Sauternes influence, but it checks many of my preferred boxes. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Yes NOTE - All reviews are conducted without considering price.

High pepper, berry, grape, red wine, pear, fruity, a bit too much red sweetness and high pepper, harsh 2 Strong flavor - red grape, berry, sweetness, high pepper, oaky, bitterness, oaky is quite potent in this, sourness 1.5 Oaky peat, rough 1.5 1.75

Notes of campfires, charcoal, and ashes. It has less sweetness than the 9.2 but remains excellent!

A comparison to batch 13.2.