Octomore 07.4/167 Virgin Oak

An acquaintance who enjoys scotch and other whiskies mentioned trying an Octomore in the city with some company and found it "undrinkable." As my initial scotch was Lagavulin 16 and I enjoyed it, I intended to try an Octomore eventually. After acquiring this bottle, I had the chance to sample it with companions who I believed would appreciate a potent Octomore. Initially, my friends and I would have mistaken it for bourbon due to its intense sweetness, minimal peat, and noticeable alcohol heat. I was quite let down, as the friend who had tried one previously indicated it was nothing like the formidable one he sampled downtown. I brought the bottle home and set it aside until recently. I offered my roommate a taste, mentioning it resembled bourbon, and his reaction after a sip was something I deeply regret not capturing on video. This is my lengthy explanation for why this bottle requires some air time before its peat characteristics emerge. However, it was astonishing; I had no idea a beverage could produce the sensations I encountered upon trying it a second time. I'm unsure if any other person has experienced a fight-or-flight response from a drink, but this evoked that level of reaction. After composing myself and repeatedly apologizing to my roommate, I began searching for tasting notes. The aroma presents a sweet peat with clear barbecue notes. Beneath the initial impact, I detected chocolate, woody evergreen resin, and orange. It evoked the scent of a Ghirardelli brownie with orange-flavored oil while baking. I covered my glass for about twenty minutes, and after a deep inhalation, for a few moments, I felt as if I were the character in films passed out from a chloroform-soaked rag. Proceed with caution. The palate features a peat intensity previously unknown to me, which was quite surprising, not negatively, but in a challenging manner. I'd describe it as ashy smoke rather than campfire smoke. The whisky possesses a spicy quality, likely from new oak. I noticed very subtle citrus notes after letting the whisky rest for about twenty minutes. This is the most challenging whisky I've encountered thus far. I don't mean it's difficult to drink (though it might be for some), but rather that there are certainly notes I'm overlooking and I look forward to further exploring the 7.4 Virgin Oak. I will certainly provide updates as I consume the bottle to share any other discoveries. I wouldn't suggest buying it unless you already favor robust peat. If you do appreciate intense peat, this will test your senses to their maximum, which I find to be incredibly enjoyable! Currently rating it 4/5. I suspect there are more subtle flavors I'm not yet discerning, but I can't fault the whisky for my current perception. I'll reassess once the bottle is finished. A 4/5 based purely on its capacity to deliver the greatest "wow" factor I've experienced to date.

Nose: Astonishingly, how can this much peat be so well-balanced? Honeysuckle and light fruits overshadow the deep peat and woodsmoke. Grape and lychee emerge and fade with campfire smoke. Nose Post-swirl: Iodine leads with deeper dark notes, resembling rubber bands?? Palate: A beautiful harmony of peaty woodsmoke, BBQ burnt ends, spiced raisins, mulled berries, and honeysuckle. Finish: Among the longest finishes ever. I sipped this 2-3 minutes ago, and the balanced peat and fruit are still present. Truly remarkable. Lighter notes vanish after about 60 seconds, leaving the deep, dark flavors.

A delightful sweet aroma, and a delicious, well-rounded, and full flavor. The finish is medium-long for both the palate and the nose. Despite the alcohol content and parts per million, this wonderful dream (the word 'dram' was auto-corrected, but I'm keeping it due to the malt's lovely warmth) is highly recommended if obtainable.

Peaty yet with floral notes on the nose. Nutty almond and toffee on the palate. There it is – that impactful, heavily peated Octomore – the powerful, heart-warming punch to conclude. I imagine this is how the antagonist felt after snapping his fingers with the Infinity Gauntlet.

Excellent, reminds me of 10.4 but improved. This expression is full of caramel, treacle, chocolate, mocha, cinnamon, raspberries, grapefruit, vanilla, apricots, iodine, mackerels, bacon, cola, barbecue beef ribs, jalapeños, and chili pepper.

Very peaty with a gradual warmth at the end. Vanilla on the nose, light body, sharp and quick on the finish. A spirit that has aged significantly and requires slow enjoyment, sip by sip, while watching the sun go down over the Potomac River.