Octomore 07.4/167 Virgin Oak

Great stuff, like 10.4 but better. This one is loaded with notes of caramel, treacle, chocolate, mocha, cinnamon, raspberries, grapefruit, vanilla, apricots, iodine, mackerels, bacon, cola, barbecue beef ribs, jalapeños, and chili pepper.

Wow. This hit the mark for Islays and peated tastes. Favorite taste of the night by far.

Nose: How in the world is this much peat so balanced? Honeysuckle and light fruits dominate the deep peat and woodsmoke. Grape and lychee punch through and dissipate with campfire. Nose After swirl: Iodine forward with heavier dark notes, rubber bands?? Palate: Beautiful balance of peaty woodsmoke, BBQ burnt tips, spiced raisins, mulled berries, and honeysuckle. Finish: One of the longest finishes I've ever experienced. I just took a sip over 2-3 minutes ago, and I'm still tasting the balanced peat and fruit. Incredible. Light notes disappear after ~60 seconds leaving the deep, dark flavors.

Super peaty with some slow burn on the end. Vanilla on the nose, thin bodied, sharp and quick on the end. A very mature dram that demands to be enjoyed slowly, sip-by-sip, and savored as the sun sets over the Potomac River.