islay_emissary
Octomore 06.3/258 Islay Barley
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
July 6, 2017 (edited April 7, 2018)
I bought 2 of these beasts recently from Norfolk Wine and Spirits. There may only be a half dozen bottles of Octomore 6.3 left in the entire US and Norfolk still has a couple available. At 258 ppm, this spirit continues to hold the title for the “world’s most peaty!“ Norfolk’s owner, Bikram, not only gave me a great price, but he also offered a sample prior to purchase, and my first impression of this expression was even more profound than my earlier review of the Octomore 7.1 (208ppm). On the nose, there’s a wave of meadow fragrances and maritime peatiness that’s simply more complex and unique than any other Islay whisky. You can sense the peat sitting there like a powder keg under layers of citrus and honeyed vanilla waiting for the proper chemistry to release its wrath, the key to which I have yet to find. Incredibly smooth for an ABV of 64%, the first warming mouthful explodes into a 5-star constellation without hesitation and a fitting salute to an Independence Day celebration. The nose is carried to the palate but now the young peatiness is much more satisfying and elegant than what I found in the Octo7.1; seemingly still shackled, however, to maintain a proper level of grace. The finish is the home run ball you remember from your youth that carries the fence in slow motion and with a similar level of elation. After a little experimentation, a pile of ice was necessary to help put out the fireworks and cool the temperatures of a perfect day with family and friends. Hats off to retired master distiller, Jim McEwan, for one of his swan song creations.
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there are 6 bottles at $159.99 available where I live. should I buy and hold?
Hey, let me know if you'd be interested in trading some samples -- I'd love to try this Octomore in particular, and have a few bottles I don't see on your review list yet :) [email protected]
Maybe there is a method to your madness, Dr. Mike. ;)
Convince your wife you're thinking of starting a distillery and this is just market research.
Yeah, but my wife has a bigger stick. :)
Rick: I have 200 bottles collected over 10 years. I learned after a threshold, the wife just gives up. ;-
I tried to spread them around but the wife yelled at me. :)
Pranay, those high-precision plastic boxes make a great whisky trophy for the office.
The General is over $1000!!????? My god. I got mine when it came out, barely at $200. CB limited releases are now silly prices.
Thanks Lee! I've heard they are coming out with one that will be over 300 ppm. Doesn't mean it's going to be a home run, though. BTW, thanks for the tip on CB Circus. I've scooped up all I could find in the Boston area. The CB General is already bringing over $1,000 at auction on a regular basis.
Excellent review. I'm absolutely in love with every Octomore I've had the privilege to buy and try. They aren't for the faint of heart, but damn they sure are delicious to me. Cheers.
258ppm???!!! The average is generally 50-80 I think. This might be like falling face first into a peat bog. In a good way
One I'll drink and the other I may hoard for profit. :)
Very jealous, this is not an easy dram to find . . . drink them in good health!
Yes, it's a magical drink! :)
Ah, the Octomore of Octomores. I had a taste in a bar, and the other Octomores can't compare. I wish I owned a bottle.