Octomore 15.1

Review of Octomore Series 15 at The Oak Barrel, Sydney on November 13, 2024. Whisky #3. Nose: Vanilla, hints of hay and honey, abundant sweet floral scents, grilled pineapple, and red berries. The aroma is quite spirited, with the alcohol strength boldly present. A generous addition of water is necessary to tame the alcohol's bite, though this also reveals faint plastic notes. Palate: Sweet chili, honey-infused cereal, and gentle sweet ash. Tropical fruits emerge with development, alongside vanilla cream and lime pie. Water enhances both white pepper and lemon oil flavors, making the smoke more prominent. It also contributes to a palate that is simultaneously livelier and richer. While somewhat reserved, the texture of this palate is pleasant. Finish: Medium. Fruit, vanilla, and ash are present. Compared to the 14.1 expression tasted just before, a clear resemblance was noted between the two spirits. Both possess a crisp, sweet character with an agreeably open profile. Although this version felt more restrained, it struck me as more refined. This is quintessential Octomore, unadorned, and holds up to close examination. Many prefer their Octomore in this style, but I personally find it slightly restrained. It's beautiful, yet distant. An alcohol sting is noticeable on the nose; reducing the spirit is needed for a deep olfactory experience. Water brings out ginger and a hint of white pepper on the palate, extending into the finish. It also adds a touch of sourness to the finish, and despite appreciating the diluted form, I believe the balance was superior when served neat. This receives the same score as the 14.1 expression from this year. They share much in common, but if forced to choose, I would select this one. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

The initial taste is powerful, driven by an alcohol content of 59.1%, but the texture remains oily and velvety. The peat smoke is dominant at first, but it quickly gives way to a malty sweetness. You taste barley sugar/honey, peppery spices that tingle the tongue, and a hint of coconut and pastry cream that softens the smoky character. The finish is, as anticipated, endless. The peat smoke lingers long after swallowing, evolving into notes of toasted oak, while maintaining a mineral freshness that prevents it from becoming overwhelming. It is a spirit of contradictions: young but complex, extremely peaty but remarkably balanced by the sweetness of bourbon casks.

118.2 proof. 108.2 PPM. Matured in used bourbon barrels. Peat, chocolate, apples, oranges, candied bacon, steak, grapes, toasted barley, salt, corn, charred oak, caramel, nuts, honey, bbq, vanilla, tobacco leaf, lime, toasted bananas.

Spicy, smoky, rich, and fiery. It's almost too much, with a peppery and rich character. Wonderful, but the balance is slightly skewed towards intensity. It's very close to perfect.

Initial smoke followed by sweet vanilla on the tongue, with a peaty conclusion. It's pretty solid, but I'm not sure it justifies the cost. I preferred the 13.1 I sampled before.

Incredible, mango, tropical fruits, creamy and extremely peaty, smoky without being too intense.