Octomore 2024 13 Years The Tasteful 8 - Brühler Whiskyhaus
Octomore - the name is legendary. A synonym for peaty-smoky excesses and at the same time proof that smoke is not just smoke. Year after year, fans wait for new bottlings, experiments with cask maturation, ageing and intense phenol power.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This whisky takes no prisoners. A clear cereal note mixes with a strong ash flavour reminiscent of a campfire that has gone out. Phenolic, yes - but not overwhelming. Instead, there is a certain maturity, a depth that you don't find in every Octomore. No cutting iodine hit, but a dark, almost oily smokiness.
Palate
One sip and the journey begins: clear, direct and intensely smoky. Anyone who knows Octomore knows that the smoke is not hidden here - it takes centre stage. However, it is not just smoke, but also a surprising sweetness that accompanies the start. This note is almost syrupy on the tongue before being replaced by a slightly citrusy freshness. However, the real highlight is the mouthfeel: clearly astringent - as if the whisky is drawing all moisture out of the mouth and leaving its mark. The high alcohol strength is evident here, but it remains well integrated.
Finish
The finish is, as expected, long and intense. Once again, a wave of smoke rolls over the tongue, this time with a fine, slightly peppery spiciness reminiscent of white pepper. The finish is dry but warm.
Thoughts
Marcel 81/100
This Octomore 13 Years is a genuine experience for anyone who loves smoky power with a touch of sweetness and character. The intense cloud of smoke is perfectly complemented by a pleasant freshness and a dry, warm finish – a whisky that leaves you wanting more without putting on airs.
Sascha 86/100
The complex balance of profound phenol intensity and delicate sweetness makes this 13-years Octomore bottling a technically impressive Islay whisky. Well-integrated 58.1% ABV and a long, peppery finish underline its structured maturity, even if the astringency doesn’t equally please every palate.
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How does the Octomore 2024 13 Years The Tasteful 8 differ from other peated whiskies?
The Octomore 2024 13 Years The Tasteful 8 is characterized by an intense yet mature smokiness that is less sharp and iodine-heavy than many other peated whiskies. Instead, it offers a dark, oily smoke note combined with a surprising sweetness and a complex phenol structure.
What role does the 58.1% alcohol strength play in the tasting experience of this whisky?
The high alcohol strength of 58.1% provides an intense mouthfeel that is slightly astringent and leaves a certain dryness. At the same time, the alcohol is well integrated, allowing the smoky and sweet aromas to come through clearly without being overpowering.
How does the 13-year maturation influence the character of the Octomore 2024 The Tasteful 8?
The 13-year maturation gives the whisky a remarkable depth and complexity often missing in younger Octomore releases. The smokiness becomes less sharp, while subtle notes of grain, sweetness, and a lightly citrusy freshness develop, giving the whisky its balance.