Octomore 05.1/169

Nose: Profound, earthy smoke. The peat is like the aroma of fine sweet compost blended with honey and vanilla. It's a dark and damp fragrance with buttery, caramel fudge and creamy dark chocolate highlights. Beneath the rich profile, a fresh scent of a sea breeze carrying a different, more subtle oily and ashy smoke exists. The two elements are flawlessly harmonized, performing a perfect duet. In the background, faint hints of heather and wildflower florals appear, like dried petals smelled from afar, along with a touch of fennel. Palate: A wonderfully smooth and spicy entry, with no indication of the alcohol content. The development builds gradually, approaching like a tidal wave. Initially, a surge of thick, warm vanilla cream, soft fruit, and smoky oak. That surge recedes, and then an unexpected second wave crashes in with a tremendous wall of smoked meats coated in a chocolate, cardamom, paprika, and licorice root mole sauce. A slight hint of citrus salt perfectly seasons everything. Finish: Endless. Heavenly. Smoky, subtly briny licorice and tobacco. Spicy, sweet, umami salt at the end, with whispers of smoky butterscotch. The lingering taste stays with you for hours. An exceptional whisky, among the finest I've ever experienced, and undoubtedly one of the best Octomore varieties, perhaps even the pinnacle. It rivals the 10-year-old Second Edition, but where that offers a perfect equilibrium of smoky and fruity notes, this Octomore is all about the smoke, complemented by a vast array of supporting aromas and flavors that add depth. Some Octomore expressions can be reserved and shy, their character requiring coaxing. This one is not like that at all – it commands attention from the initial scent to the final resounding notes. However, it is also remarkably approachable – a gentle giant – and requires no water for dilution. Nevertheless, if water is added, just a few drops will reveal even more body and sweetness, further enhancing the smoke. I was fortunate enough to obtain two 30ml tasting samples of this fine spirit, but I'm quite certain full bottles are now unavailable. However, if you happen to find a bottle, don't miss the chance. “Excellent”: 89/100 (4.75 stars)

Aroma: Predominantly smoked meats, blue cheese, and vanilla. A faint scent of sea air and brine also emerges. Upon deeper inspection, sweeter notes appear, like honey and perhaps dark chocolate pound cake? Heavy peat and earth complete the profile. Taste: Dark and earthy! Peat is dominant but surprisingly smooth and rounded for a five-year-old. Espresso, coffee bean, and a mild brine are also present, not overwhelming. As it lingers on the tongue, notes of burnt toast, leather, and soil become apparent. Not much sweetness detected. Conclusion: Quite pleasing and full of the rich, dark, peaty character I adore from Octomore! Definitely worth trying if you can find it! I am eager to sample some wine cask finished versions soon.

Nice. It hits you hard with peat like an Octomore should. I've tried the 10.1 and the 4.2 and believe I prefer those two to this one, but it's still great. Smells of barbequed meat.