This is the Octomore we need right now: not the usual slap in the face, but something a little more subtle, sexy and sophisticated for our anxious times. If you can tear yourself away from gazing at the almost pornographic manner in which the liquid clings to the side of your glass, you’ll find herbal lozenges and butterscotch mingling on the nose. That sensuous texture continues in the mouth as you savor the sweet, silky flavors: soursop and lychee came to mind for me, so there’s an exotic fruit cocktail underneath the rich layers of peat. That peat is dominant on the zesty, peppery finish, but overall it’s much more subdued on this Octomore than usual. And that’s a good thing, because this is a very well balanced whisky that drinks equally well neat or diluted to 50%. Octomore is always fun to try, but I’ve never felt the need to buy a bottle. This one I would happily pour frequently.