Octomore 15.3

Nose: Initially, it presents a potent, spirited aroma with an unyielding character. This initial impression lasts, but once the strong alcohol vapors subside, the full splendor of the scents becomes apparent. The peat resembles aged leather upholstery, a far-off asphalt road, and the subtle scent of fine Turkish tobacco. Beneath this are dark fruits, raspberry jam, burlap, marmalade, roasted nuts, malt extract, and vanilla. The nose also benefits from water (see below). Palate: The taste arrives gradually, beginning with a moderate, sweet entry focused on cereal and nuts. This sweetness shifts to a drying sensation, with the same cereal and nut flavors gaining more texture and definition. Over time, the palate becomes nearly granular, like a nutty cookie dough. Cashew butter, licorice, raspberry candies, and manuka honey emerge as it develops. Simultaneously, a significant peat smoke develops. It begins mildly and subtly but gradually spreads through the mouth, gaining intensity yet remaining surprisingly delicate. The chewy cereal flavors have excellent body, and the mouthfeel is richly oily and full-bodied. Finish: Medium/Long. Dry and smoky, with cereal notes fading into bittersweet coffee. 307.2ppm seems like an immense quantity but in reality, it barely registers, especially when the spirit is neat. Diluting it does significantly increase the smoke's intensity, but that is true for any high-alcohol peated spirit, and this spirit can certainly handle a lot of water without losing balance or presence. Like the peat smoke, the intriguing cereal flavors on the palate also intensify as the spirit is diluted. The nose is a slow-burn experience as the alcohol must dissipate, and it also requires time in the glass to open up. I was smelling this throughout the tasting, and after 90 minutes, it was still evolving. Adding water caused no harm at all; in fact, this spirit thrives with a splash of water, with no artificial notes emerging. The spirit I tasted immediately before this one was the 15.2 expression. I was still so captivated by its beautiful wine-cask influenced profile and its remarkable ability to manage its alcohol presence that I initially decided this 15.3 expression was my second favorite spirit of the evening. This spirit seemed hot and difficult to discern at first, but then, with time to explore both, I realized just how elegant this expression truly is and decided it was my favorite. Even at the relatively high cost, I would strongly recommend this spirit. It is in the same category as the old 5.1 expression and nearly equal to the 10 year old 2nd Edition. “Excellent”: 88/100 (4.5 stars)

Sweet yet smoky on the initial smell. The smokiness isn't overwhelming when first inhaled. The first sip presents a wonderful combination of peat, grains, and a hint of sweetness. The smoke remains on the palate and in the throat.

On the nose, smoked meat, chocolate, some caramel?, cigar, smells fucking amazing. In the mouth, fire, it burns, peat, peat, peat, tea, herbs. Wow

It took a while to open up. It's better with a little water. It's good eventually, but I've had superior Octomores.

A light aroma but a nice, strong peaty finish. It's a good peaty whisky, but there's room for improvement.

A truly flavorful explosion, very smoky. Packs a good punch.