The Yearly Octomore releases are always something to look forward to. They tend to range from good to to very good. Lets find out how this years 13.3 is!!!
You are easily one of the best reviewer's I've seen, excellent job! Only bottle I have is the 12.1 and it gets better every time I have it, I'm definitely planning to get one of the 13 series in the near future, thanks so much.👍
Have you guys acquired and gotten to know the Bruichladdich Bere Barley series? It's one of my fav. Islay series--so unique and farm/field/grain/bakery forward. They take water amazingly well to really brings out additional complexity. For the uniqueness and quality, the Bere series is one of the great values in Islay whisky IMO.
The now legendary 6.3 had ex-Ribera casks as well if I remember correctly. Like sherry matured casks it tells us nothing. Ribera del Duero can produce some of the best wines in Spain but it also produces plenty of affordable table wine as well. Most Spanish wine uses American oak. My Spanish in-laws come from the region (the city of Valladolid to be precise) and the great wineries follow the great Duero river. It makes for a sensational tour if you ever visit because some of the wineries are first class and amazing places. The Duero river was also the natural borderline in the struggle of the Christian Reconquest and Islamic Spain so there are immense castles (including one epic Muslim one - Gormaz), churches and cathedrals all along the route. An amazing part of Spain. End of the history lesson. I had that 6.3 and it was excellent but I concluded that it was way too expensive and a bit of a gimmick which is what I think Octomore is. It's good stuff but should be far cheaper. It's five years old for goodness sake. For that kind of money I want it aged in ex- fish curry casks. On the positive side, it highlights what we want from a young whisky. Something a bit raw, powerful and reduced to its basic ingredients. Excellent review Mike and a decent score. I just think it should be cheaper. WT
Thank you so much for the valuable history WT! Always welcome and fascinating my friend. I have never been to Spain but you are really making me want to go. Yes the 6.3 is the best! I totally hear you on Octomore’s pricing and marketing gimmicks. The problem is my innate whisky curiosity always seems to win. Haha! Cheers my friend! 🥃
Thanks for the very thorough and honest review. As wonderful as this sounds I just found it for $330 before tax. I just can’t swing it for that. Wish I could though.
Awesome brotha! I bought the 13.2, it is my first Octomore and I think it’s incredible, super funky and earthy with a parmigiana note that I love. Keep on pimpin’ 🥃
Thanks Keith! Yes it is a battle between high quality barley/peat and age. It definitely has become cultish and a marketing gimmicky whisky. More like a luxury nice to own whisky and definitely not a must for the price. Yet pretty good stuff. Cheers! 🥃
Lagavulin 16 was my favorite scotch until I had Octomore. Don't let the age get you; I would happily pay the price for an Octomore over any other Islay.
I recently bought 13.1 and 13.2 and I think 13.2 is just amazing if you’re into peat / sherry combo. It’s a very balanced dram compared to most of these days sherry monsters and I think it’s even worth it. 13.1 is decent as always and doesn’t do anything crazy. I honestly wouldn’t go for .1 series anymore especially with prices skyrocketing
