Tastes

Maybe this is because I just opened up the sample and it needs to oxidize for a month or two in there, but this is virtually indistinguishable from the standard 18 unchill filtered, except it’s more mouth coating due to the higher abv. If I have the same impression when I taste this again in a month, this is definitely not worth it. Why would i ever buy this bottle for the price of 3-5 bottles of the 18 yr?

Amazing whiskey but only 46% abv so I think the 12 yr cask strength expression is always going to beat this one to my shelf

Good for standard ryed bourbon but the whole category is pretty mediocre. Not sure i can every buy this again at $100. $40 would be fine.

Disappointing. 2020 expression is better has less of the prominent off lemon note in this expression. No need to seek this one out when more recent expressions are better. It’s not bad but it’s overhyped

This is much better than 2017 expression. The lemon note is much more subtle. It smokier similar to octomore 11.3 but with a salty maritime note added in. Not as rich mouthfeel as that octo expression. Great whisky though.

Compared to laga 12 2017 and 2020. This is superior but similar. Smokier, just a touch of lemon, no maritime notes. Richer mouthfeel than the laga expressions. Is it worth 33% more than laga 12 2020 though for being somewhat better? I’m very interested to try different octo finishes, esp wine barrel maturation

Not bad similar to ballechin 10 standard. That same campfire note but also with some typical highland fruit (apple) subtly there in the background. Better than old ballantruan which isn’t as well made.

Mostly tastes like sweet apple. Typical highland like balvenie. Not bad. Not great

Its ok. Has that highland campfire variety of peat reminiscent of ballechin 10 standard with some orchard fruits to boot. Better thsn tomintoul 16 for sure from same distillery. Inferior to the islay peated malts and ledaig. I would be interested in trying an older age stated expression of ballantruan though.

Atrocious. Kind of like balvenie mixed with some industrial fluid. And not complex. Apple mixed with acetone.