Octomore 10.4/88 Virgin Oak

Rating: 17/23. Nose has ash, smoke, heavy peat, a little saltiness, and faint meatiness. Frankly, this isn't the most intricate, intriguing, or pleasing aroma. However, nothing is actually wrong with it. Palate has loads of peat, ash, smoke, and brine. Some sweetness from mild malt with apple and tangerine. I could discuss the herbaceous, smoky, and slightly earthy qualities extensively. There's a bit of roast pork and black pepper. It's strong, but the alcohol content is high. A hint of vanilla borders on sandalwood. A touch of barbecue. Finish is lingering peaty smoke with mild malty sweetness, light apple, a hint of vanilla, some black pepper, and roast pork. Conclusion: This is quite good. Is it blowing my mind? No. It's tasty, but it tastes young. Yes, it has tons of peat, but it lacks mature complexity and a sheer peaty punch is rather a gimmick. Amrut Peated (17/23) has a somewhat more mature character, but it doesn't possess as much rugged interest. These two seem quite competitive. Laphroaig 10 (18/23) has more mature complexity. Sure, its low ABV makes it taste a bit weak, but its flavor is definitely better. This has too much youth and campfire character. And the peat level is a bit of a gimmick. There is a fair amount happening here though and it's a tasty dram. There's some nice complexity at the start of The Shin 10 (16/23), but it becomes kind of young and sweet as it progresses. It's still a good dram, but I'd probably rank this above it. There's some rich savoriness here that The Shin is missing. Nikka From The Barrel (17/23) has some nice balanced malt and smoke with a more traditional profile. The alcohol is noticeable and the flavors get a bit muddled, but it's a more cohesive experience. Choosing between the two, I give this the win. I had been considering a 17 for this, but now I'm reconsidering an 18. Still, I think Laphroaig 10 is superior. And Amrut Peated is very close. I'm settling on a high 17. Coming back to this for the last few sips, I appreciate that it has so much going on, but there's definitely a barbecue essence happening here that isn't truly my preferred profile. Still, the salt and brine blend with the roast meat, ash, vanilla, and other elements to create a pretty balanced dram. I believe I'd prefer it over Octomore 11.3, which is more mellow and fruity, but this does bring to mind Laphroaig Quarter Cask and Ardbeg An Oa a bit, though it mercifully has less of a sweet barbecue character. Would I still choose Laphroaig 10 over this? Probably. This is enjoyable, but it's still somewhat gimmicky. I'll stick with a high 17 for this.

I'll start by saying sorry for what's likely to be a poor review. Peat notes are sometimes a real challenge for me. nose - Not much to discuss here. It's very sweet, with sugars, vanilla, oak, and peat. The oak character is pleasant. Some interesting bourbon characteristics are present. taste - Full-bodied and smooth, yet remarkably intricate. The oak is detailed and substantial, though indeed a bit astringent. The malt delivers that signature Octomore sweetness upfront. My apologies, I don't have much more to add. It's simply an excellent Octomore. It presents that intensely sweet profile, reminiscent of candy cigarettes, with a delightful peaty quality, and a rich, smooth texture. I'll ponder the final rating, but 3.75 for now. Truly exceptional, but I may decide on a 4.0 later.

The moment the bottle is opened, peat smoke permeates the entire room, setting expectations for the initial taste. As a highly peated whiskey, it's likely unsurprising that the first taste is also heavily influenced by peat. However, a balance exists between the wood's vanilla notes and the peat. The peat remains, but it possesses a softness that blends with more delicate notes of clove, cinnamon, and berries. As it evolves, it mellows into a gentle, vanilla-infused smoke, leaving a warm, cigar-like finish. This is a wonderfully intricate dram, smoother than one might initially anticipate, yet still potent. Fantastic!

It holds its own for a 3-year-old. It possesses abundant dark chocolate, pineapples, marshmallows, raisins, vanilla, ginger, and peppers. Nose: Smoke, Caramel, Dark Chocolate, Mocha, Treacle, Raisins, Butterscotch, Sultanas, Ginger, Almonds, Grilled Pineapples, Licorice. Barbecue Chicken. Palate: Smoke, Vanilla, Marshmallows, Pineapples, Mackerels, Figs, Dates, Chili Peppers, Peaches, Vanilla, Luxardo Cherries, Raisins, Mirabelle Plums. Finish: Raisins, Hazlenuts, Ginger, Blood Oranges, Christmas Cakes, Apricots, Coal, Marshmallows, Vanilla.

Smell: Smoky campfire, salty ham, some hot fresh ginger. Taste: Intense spicy heat, freshly cracked black pepper, clove, cigars. Aftertaste: Once the heat fades, I'm left with slightly charred sausages over a campfire. It tastes like it smells. Notes: Not for the easily intimidated. The cask strength hits the palate hard. The spiciness must register on the Scoville scale somewhere.

Remarkable power and distinctiveness. The aroma presented rubber and gasoline, transitioning to pure barley on the palate. The character was shaped mainly by grain and smoke – as expected from a young spirit matured in fresh, clean wood. While lacking the depth of aged spirits or those from unique casks, its unpretentious, straightforward nature is appealing.