Octomore 10.3 Super-Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 70cl

Product Information

Finish: long but somehow less than the others. Hints of burnt rosemary, kippers and lean peat smoke.

A Talisker 10 scores 22 ppm, an Ardbeg 10 contains about 55-65 ppm. The 'least peated' whisky from the 10.x range of Octomore scores 88 ppm. The most heavily peated one, 114 ppm.What is interesting, is that when you taste these expressions, they tend to release plenty of nuanced flavours. You are not drinking liquid ashtrays. After a balanced 'smoke & sweet', we had the chance to taste the Octomore 10.3, the distillery's most local whisky to date. Bruichladdich wants to one of the first distilleries (after Kilchoman) to produce whiskies entirely on Islay, which means it would be a 100% Islay whisky: from growing the barley to malting (expected in 2023) to bottling the whisky. Even better, they want to be the first decarbonized distillery (expected in 2025). These people know what's important! The Octomore 10.1 expression, therefore, is an example of a very modest approach to whisky-making. What would happen if you take Scottish barley, distill it, and have it mature on ex- American oak casks for 5years? Well, you get an expression which is a benchmark. It's simple. It's very tasty. It's salty, smoky (duh), and blessed with a pleasant oily texture. There is no burning sensation in the mouth. Instead, there is a gentle simmer. It's a cleanser of the mouth lining.

Score: 6/10

For something that was effectively a defiant rebuttal, the fiery Octomore has certainly mellowed, if only just. Our co-editor Justin Choo looks at the Octomore 10 Series. Taste: Spicy arrival with notes of pepper, cloves and nutmeg. Fairly dry as well. More peaty than smoky, the inverted experience of the nose, although that bonfire note does peak through on the palate every once in a while. A touch of shoe polish as well. If we decide not to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms, such decision shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

The journey culminates in a sweet finish, where pastry and chocolate make a delightful appearance. Yet, in a captivating twist, bitter notes of rubbery smoke and spice emerge, leaving a lasting impression that lingers on your palate. According to the press release the Octomore 10s are an exploration of the realms of ‘softer smoke’. In the case of Octomore, that sounds like a weird statement. While maybe a little less so than some predecessors, these Octomore are still extremely heavily peated compared to anything else that is currently available on the marketplace. Just look at the stats below. You are responsible for all activities through your account. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide to us in relation to your account, and for updating it where necessary. You are not allowed to create multiple accounts. We may terminate or temporarily suspend your account to protect you, ourselves or our partners from (suspected) identity theft or other (suspected) fraudulent (e.g. false, misleading, deceptive) activity. You have the obligation to keep your login credentials confidential. You shall not authorize any others to use or access your account. The 10.1 and the 10.3 are the most similar entrants. Both fully matured in ex-bourbon, the latter has a little more depth and complexity. The 10.3 Islay Barley, as the name suggests, gets its malt from Islay itself – from local farmer James Brown’s 2012 harvest. This bottle also marks the first time that the .3 in the range breaks from the 5-year maturation; 10.3 spends six years in ex-bourbon casks and alongside the casks that held 10.1 – so this is an interesting side by side. Literally. And indeed it doesn’t disappoint: for whatever reason, this is a 10.1 that is far more intense on all fronts, with a distinct earthy character at its core.Each and every Member must be of legal drinking age in its country of residence to be allowed to use the Service. If no such law exists in a Member’s country of residence, the Member has to be over 21 years old to use the Service. We have the right to ask you to provide proof of your age and/or to provide further identification to prevent underage usage and/or for any other legal or legitimate purpose. By using the Service, and by creating an account you represent, warrant and confirm that you are of legal age. Nose: Surprisingly light and subtle with notes of barley husks, wood smoke and a touch of sour beer, but also liquorice root. After a little while apple peel, vanilla custard and almond paste take over and don’t let go of the wheel.