I was gifted a bottle of the 13.3 (61.1% ABV and 129.3ppm) late last year. Opened it in the end of April of this year; taking my time with it so it lasts since I can't imagine spending this kind of money on a bottle and because I really enjoy it. At this moment, the level in my bottle is a little below yours, just at the bottom of the second "O" in the vertical spelling of "Octomore." Some similar notes to yours (I should maybe have a dram this weekend and perhaps hit you with fresh nosing/tasting notes): but what I notice is that plenty of time and air in the glass, as with so many big-peat and high ABV drams, changes it up almost as much as a drop of water does. What always stands out: - The mouth feel. Among the best I've encountered. Buttery, oily, heavy, delightful. It's what I notice even before the flavor profiles. Exceptional and superior. - A grassy note. After about 30-40 minutes in the glass, a grassy note really rears up (maybe part of that local barley effect?)...amid all the other notes. - With a drop of water, a funkiness appears, kind of like an inviting sour note that adds to its complexity. Overall, the several drams I've had over the months remind me that it's REALLY well made whisky. Nose, mouth feel, flavor profiles, lengthy and satisfying finish... But at $270-ish? Man...! Defintely a special treat, though. I feel like I need to finish a challenging, time-consuming task or do a really good deed to earn a pour! Grateful for the gift, and glad it's part of my collection.
I've watched half a dozen tastings on the Octo 15.3 and each taster has a completely different profile meaning 1)They are all pretentious BS or 2)Everyone will experience a different taste. I love how these guys will list off 20-30 scents and an additional 20-30 flavors in a few ML of liquid. One guy even was able to taste different flavors on five regions of his tongue simultaneously. I will say though, this is the first time I hear a Scotch tasting like "vomit" (Maybe if you drink too much eventually).
I was gifted a bottle of the 13.3 (61.1% ABV and 129.3ppm) late last year. Opened it in the end of April of this year; taking my time with it so it lasts since I can't imagine spending this kind of money on a bottle and because I really enjoy it. At this moment, the level in my bottle is a little below yours, just at the bottom of the second "O" in the vertical spelling of "Octomore."
Some similar notes to yours (I should maybe have a dram this weekend and perhaps hit you with fresh nosing/tasting notes): but what I notice is that plenty of time and air in the glass, as with so many big-peat and high ABV drams, changes it up almost as much as a drop of water does.
What always stands out:
- The mouth feel. Among the best I've encountered. Buttery, oily, heavy, delightful. It's what I notice even before the flavor profiles. Exceptional and superior.
- A grassy note. After about 30-40 minutes in the glass, a grassy note really rears up (maybe part of that local barley effect?)...amid all the other notes.
- With a drop of water, a funkiness appears, kind of like an inviting sour note that adds to its complexity.
Overall, the several drams I've had over the months remind me that it's REALLY well made whisky. Nose, mouth feel, flavor profiles, lengthy and satisfying finish...
But at $270-ish? Man...!
Defintely a special treat, though. I feel like I need to finish a challenging, time-consuming task or do a really good deed to earn a pour!
Grateful for the gift, and glad it's part of my collection.
You're exactly right. It really is well made and special. It's just a really big price tag. Enjoy your next dram!
3 was 269 at Binnys! It's spectacular and remenicient of a few back in the single digits era.
Totally looking forward to 15.3
Personally prefer ratings independent of value propositions. Price is price!
You and me both
@whiskywhereabouts just got my 15.3
The best is 14.1😊
The .1 is always strong.
I've watched half a dozen tastings on the Octo 15.3 and each taster has a completely different profile meaning 1)They are all pretentious BS or 2)Everyone will experience a different taste. I love how these guys will list off 20-30 scents and an additional 20-30 flavors in a few ML of liquid. One guy even was able to taste different flavors on five regions of his tongue simultaneously. I will say though, this is the first time I hear a Scotch tasting like "vomit" (Maybe if you drink too much eventually).
Nope... This stuff is out of my league. I'll stick with the Port Charlotte 10 and be happy with that.