Octomore 10 Year Second Edition (2016 Release)

Bruichladdich Masterclass, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, February 19, 2018, Whisky #6. Nose: Rich, leathery, and earthy peat smoke. Softly oily and inviting. A dense cloud of smoke that, while enveloping, doesn't conceal aromas of orange and lemon peel, apples, peaches, apricots, toffee, tobacco, and ocean spray. Beautiful oak notes add a hint of vanilla. Palate: Initially dry, like a crisp white wine, then suddenly sweet citrus flavors emerge with briny notes like a surfer on a glistening arc of smoke. Lime, grapefruit, lemon, sweet persimmon, cantaloupe, mango, and white grapes. Licorice and salmiak. I concur with the official tasting notes; this is a complex, constantly changing palate. Finish: Very long. Floral, fruity, slightly briny, and eventually fading into a gently sweet smoke with a touch of earthy oak, leaving an aftertaste that lasts for hours. Despite the intense peating of the barley, by the time most Octomores reach the glass, the nose has considerably calmed down, to the point where they smell less peated than many whiskies with only around 40ppm. However, this is different. It distinctly smells and tastes of peat smoke, but the smoke is controlled by the softening effect of expert wood maturation. It's not as sharp as typical Octomore smoke; it's soft but full, more akin to Benromach smoke. I am thrilled this whisky exists. Given that peat smoke diminishes quickly with age, Bruichladdich might be tempted to release everything very young to maintain the peat's vigor. However, this whisky demonstrates that Octomore can not only withstand 10 years in ex-white wine barrels but also benefits from it. The odd thing is that although the peating level should logically be lower compared to the 5-year-matured expressions, it somehow seems enhanced by the additional cask time. Whatever the reason, it's certainly a sweeter, rounder, more subtle, and sophisticated kind of smoke. I've tried 6 Octomores so far, including this one (6.1, 6.3, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3), and I have a sample of 5.1 waiting. I haven't tried any of the 8 series, but out of all those I've tasted, this was my favorite. Perhaps I simply don't enjoy Octomore when it's too young and prefer the softening effect of 10 years. Regardless, I highly recommend this, and it's the first Octomore I've rated 5 stars. Welcome to the top shelf, if I can find a bottle. "Outstanding": 90/100 (5 stars).

This has a slightly sweet aroma with a meaty and rich woody character. The nose also presents a lot of saltiness, along with some char and chocolate, and a trace of dark fruit. It seems complex and intriguing. It's rich, with substantial peat and smoke, delivering a meaty, iodine flavor with subtle hints of dark berry sweetness; it's quite good. The finish is rich and grainy, featuring creamy dark chocolate notes. With the addition of water, the tobacco aspect of the peat emerges, but the creamy chocolate remains present. Combining the grain flavor, there's a faint custard note. It reminds me of my initial impressions of Laphroaig 10. It's sweet enough and introduces some oiliness and pleasant nutty notes (almond). While the flavor could benefit from more fruit at this stage, it still works well. The spices and herbal notes are not absent but play a secondary role. It's quite indulgent but not exceptionally complex. This is a very enjoyable scotch that is thoroughly pleasing, though not a masterpiece.

This was a significant surprise. The peat is actually somewhat muted, not much more intense than a Laphroaig and perhaps slightly less than Ardbeg’s Wee Beastie. The flavors are intricate and layered: peat, smoked meat, spice (from the high abv?), and brief fruit. The alcohol content drinks well, and a couple of drops of water actually intensify and sharpen the nose and palate. You need a lot of water to dilute it, and doing so dulls it too much. Neat, it has a sweet, sticky finish (from wine barrels?) but isn't excessively long. It's not as fiery or smoky as I anticipated. It's actually quite well-balanced for being cask strength. It's definitely worth trying. Worth buying? No. If you seek smoke, you can find more at much lower prices, consider the Wee Beastie. If you desire complexity and peat, Uigeadail, Lore, or Laphroaig PX offer better value.

The Octomore 10 (second edition) is a true peat behemoth with 167ppm. Sampled right after the 169ppm Octomore 7.3 during a Bruichladdich Masterclass, it seemed slightly more mellow and sweeter, though that's not a negative point. The additional five years of aging softens the smoke somewhat, and the partial aging in white wine barrels is evident, contributing tropical, fruity notes. Both the aroma and taste are quite remarkable and intricate, making it difficult to distinguish between this and the 7.3. I would gladly drink either of these anytime without reservation.:)

Score! I located an Octomore in its natural habitat. Thrilled. Nose: Naturally, smoke and peat dominate. Like a campfire, with floral hints, sweetness, and maybe a touch of eucalyptus? Taste: For sure peaty, which I appreciate. A bit of spice is present. The texture is thin and slick. Hints of motor oil appear, which is a nice bonus. Finish: Lasts briefly to moderately, delivering a spicy blast of smoke and peat. It delivers on its promise - a massive peaty, smoky pour with added spice. I'm not sure why I anticipated greater depth given its high ppm, but I did. It's lovely for what it is, truly embodying the spirit of Islay.

This is quite smoky, but truthfully, it stands out as one of the finest smoky expressions I have encountered. It presents a fantastic blend of floral notes and a delicate citrus sweetness that complements the smoky peat. It feels pleasantly oily in the mouth, and the taste persists well, leaving a faint floral and earthy undertone. Peat flavors have not typically been my preference, but this one was exceptional, offering an experience I could certainly appreciate regularly! A dependable spirit; a definite recommendation to purchase!