Octomore will always be a nice dram to finish a dram session, and I don’t think that will ever change. What has changed is whether or not the price is worth it. I recently had the privilege of trying Octomore 2.1, and that instantly became my favorite Octomore. This Octomore 8.1, with 3 additional years of aging, cannot compare. Octomore 8.1 is 8 years old, and previous x.1 Octomore offerings are 5 years old. I have had the 7.1, 6.1, 5.1, 4.1, and 2.1. This 8.1 tastes younger. Without water, it is just wound up and tense. It needs a massage. Flavors are strong, and most of them are weird. Sewage. And I don’t know if it’s a “pleasant sewage.” Of course, tons and tons of ash. The rich buttery counterbalance of previous Octomores is missing. With water, this one is much better. The flavors are milder and quite pleasant. Vinegar, tart, raw fish, caviar, loads of salt, and a satisfying heap of peat. But the butter is missing. I have not tried the 9 or 10 series of Octomore, but I will, because I am still a believer. But my expectations are lowered after having had 8.1 and 8.3. Score: 0 (forgettable) How much does a bottle cost: $170-200 How much do I think a bottle is worth: $120