Octomore 06.1/167 Scottish Barley

Bottle killed on 4/29/2019 Bruichladdich Distillery OB Octomore Edition 06.1 Scottish Barley 5 years old 57% ABV Bottled 2013 Price: 174 USD I finished my SECOND bottle of this gorgeous peat monster, and that is the only Octomore that I can make that claim about. Part of that is because this is fairly available where I am, and prone to being found on sale, and part of that is because this is irresistibly delicious. This whisky is a mammoth in the La Brae tar pit. Oily hydrocarbon-covered tusks right up your ass; so beautifully balanced with fully mature bourbon influence. This will rival a 20 year old single malt in complexity, but you need some water to bring this down to about 46-50% ABV to smooth out the sharp edges. I swear, soot fleetingly precipitates out of solution when water drops hit this 18k golden liquid. Behind the sooty and tarry smoke, there are exquisite notes of vanilla, pineapple, coconut, butter, and sea salt. And, yes, there is caviar. The finish is long and dynamic. Occasionally, I even get pickled vegetables and MSG towards the end. If you have a fondness for peat, this will be a luxurious experience; a quintessential Islay hug. Rating (Price not factored): 94 / 100 Purchase Satisfaction (Price factored): 4.5 / 5

Expected to feel the peat more. Nose is excellent, fruity and really enjoyable. The sweetness surprised me, wasnt expecting that. Rich flavor, strong, curiously felt the peat more after adding few drop of water. Liked it, a bit strong for my taste but will definitely explore more.