Octomore 10 Year Fifth Edition (2021 Release)

Review #091 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 56.3% Comments: aged 10 years, fifth release of the 10-year, super heavily peated to 90.3 PPM, matured in 1st fill ex-bourbon barrels, finished for five years in Spanish Ribera del Duero (RDC) wine barrels Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Tawny color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 17/20 Very sweet and fruity, I’m immediately reminded of a fruit cocktail cup. Canned peaches and maraschino cherries intermingle with sweet barbecue smoke. There’s also some vanilla, ripe pears, and just a bit of lemon zest. Palate: 36/40 A strong continuation of the nose, with a lot happening. Sweet canned fruit syrup, orange marmalade, and apricots. Barbecue smoke is prominent, along with a mild ashy flavor. Leather, tobacco, spicy oak tannins, and a touch of maritime salt help to complete it. Finish: 33/40 A lengthy finish. It starts fruity with grilled peaches and grilled pineapples, accompanied by campfire smoke. As it fades, it gives way to ashes and dry oak. The conclusion becomes quite dry, but it lingers for a substantial duration before very gradually disappearing. With Water: A few drops of water bring out some berries in the aroma. The palate also gains a subtle floral note, and on the finish, I detect hints of tangerine and cough syrup. Total: 86/100 Final thoughts: This is my first 10-year Octomore, and this particular bottling is completely different from its 5-year predecessors that I've tried. It lacks much of the raw, impactful character that makes Octomore a favorite, and the smoke is much more subdued. While an expression like this isn't what I typically associate with "Octomore", it is still excellent. The extended aging in oak and the prolonged wine finish have been highly beneficial. Considering the price, I'm uncertain if I'll purchase another 10-year anytime soon, but I will certainly savor every sip of this one. Price: $225 Would recommend: yes Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The ultimate dram, absolutely exceptional, divine, I will cherish this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, there's something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, nearly flawless, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn't impress me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't seek it out, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

This comes across as a more sophisticated, smoother, and elegant iteration of Octomore, with added notes of raisins and berries complementing the smoky, savory, and spicy Octomore character. I favor the Octomore Valinch, 10-year-old 3rd edition, and 10-year-old 2nd edition over this one.

Smoky Complex Smooth