pkingmartin
Octomore 11.1
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
August 17, 2022 (edited July 14, 2023)
The nose rich with bold flavors starting with sweet smoky barbecued ribs, vanilla creme brûlée and tangerine orange then dark chocolate covered almonds, hay and seaside rocky minerality followed by caramelized apples and grilled peaches that transitions to ginger and gauze bandages with high ethanol burn.
The taste is a rich creamy mouthfeel starting with a moderate spice that slowly fades to caramelized pears, sweet smoky barbecued pork belly, vanilla custard and charred orange peel then dark chocolate covered espresso beans, burning hay and seaside rocky minerality followed by sour apple candy and lemon zest that transitions to ginger, black pepper and gauze bandages with high ethanol burn.
The finish is long with charred barbecued ribs, light ocean brine, burning hay, sautéed apples and gauze bandages that lingers for minutes.
This is an intense peaty dram that is likely not for everyone that requires patience as the nose and palate are overpowered by ethanol until it rests for around 20 minutes which allows for the ethanol to mellow and the flavors to be more discernible. After some rest and a few drops of water, the flavors are bold and rich with smoked meats leading followed by a creamy sweet citrus, light earthiness, hay and ocean brine that lingers long after each sip.
At the price of $200+, this is one I'd recommend trying before you buy as I really like it but a few of my friends have described it as a fight club style scotch with a mean peated uppercut that had them tapping out after the first sip.
200.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@pkingmartin I would surely enjoy a sample. I don’t if there is anything I have open that you may want to try in which I can reciprocate. We can discuss on the side. Thanks.
@Scott_E Thanks, I’m also a huge fan of those smoky meat flavors. I too wish it were less expensive as the price is tough to justify for a young whisky but the bold meaty flavors make me regret nothing. I’d be happy to send you a sample if you’d like to try it? @PBMichiganWolverine You’re right about not being for the faint of heart. It’s one I rarely pour unless I get a craving for it and usually can make a glass last a long time as the finish just lingers.
@PBMichiganWolverine @pkingmartin I had the Octomore 10. Was quite good. Years ago I had it for the first time. Octomore 5.1. Blew me away when I just started really digging into the Isaly’s and peaty scotch.
@pkingmartin @Scott_E yeah, Octomore isn’t for the faint of heart. But, as a once in a blue moon pour, it’s amazing.
@pkingmartin ribs and pork belly alone (for me) sounds great. I wish it was about $75 cheaper. Nicely done.