Top 5 Alternatives to The Octomore Scotch Whisky: Does Anything Come Close?
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- Опубліковано 28 чер 2024
- The Bruichladdich Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery from Islay is one of my absolute favourites. While they are traditionally known for their unpeated whisky, I have a particular love of their super heavily peated single malt scotch whisky named Octomore. The Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the most heavily peated line of whisky ever made. And while Octomore is an experience like no other in whisky it is not cheap to buy nor is it easy to find in all markets. In this video I've put together a list of some of my favourite alternatives/substitutes for the Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This is a list for those who can't seem to find a bottle of Octomore or those who are trying to stretch out their last bottle of Octomore just a little bit further to be able to enjoy Octomore another time. Thanks once again for checking out the video, can't wait to talk to you all in the comment section. Sláinte, Matt.
#scotch #whisky #whiskey #singlemalt #top5 #review #Scotch2023 #whisky2023 #singlemalt #bruichladdich #octomore #portcharlotte #Laphroaig #kilkerran #glenallachie #Torabhaig #ardbeg #longrow #springbank #scotchwhisky #singlemaltscotchwhisky #islay
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Never had any Octomore. Jeremy at sippers social club, did a review of the Port Charlotte MC:01 & MRC:01 and mentioned that he felt they were on par with the Octomores. I have had those and do love them. The thing about Octomore is that those crazy high ppm#'s are measuring the malt, not the spirit coming off the still. If you can afford it and enjoy it that's great, but a lot of folks in the know consider it clever marketing to sell a up market premium product. Cheers
It's definitely a clever way to set your product apart to cite the ridiculously high PPM count on grain rather than a post distillation residual PPM measurement. It's why I love that Torabhaig is giving us both measurements for there's. The residual is an actual useful metric. And I'd agree with Jeremy that those Cask Exploration releases like the MC or MRC are close to as good of jot better than some of the Octomore releases. I have bought 2 of those, the SC:01 And PMC:01 more recently than any Octomore because the price is right in comparison. Cheers Donner Pass 🥃
Please keep on reviewing. I’ve been really enjoying your perspective
Thanks Benny! I really appreciate the encouragement. It might not seem like much but the positive reinforcement definitely helps with the motivation. Thanks again! Cheers 🥃
Cheers for this, I really love Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Laphroaig 10 CS, so an Octomore sounds like a perfect special occasion splurge!
You certainly sound like a "Peathead" with a lineup of Corry and Laph 10 CS! Octomore is an absolute must if that's the profile you enjoy. Definitely a great special occasion pour! Cheers eh! 🥃
You had me hook line and sinker till #1 pick.
Don’t get me wrong I Love L10cs but feel Ardbeg Corry and PC cask exploration CS series are the best comparison.
Cheers 🥃
Well, I'm glad I had the Corryvrecken as an honourable mention at the very least and PC Exploration kicking it off. Those are great options. The Laphroaig 10CS is a different type of peat profile. Cheers John 🥃
Hey Matt, we were just talking about how there’s nothing that really compares to Octomore! That Octo 8.3 is going for $800 at auctions now. Never heard of the Tora, that’s next on the list now. Thank you!
There really isn't is there? It's pretty singular and unique! While I wouldn't pay $800 for the 8.3 I can understand why it's going so high. I loved my 7.3 and still have a couple back up of that one. Looks like I'll get a chance at a bottle of the Torabhaig Batch Strength in a month or so, it's been held up enroute to Canada. Soon enough. Thanks for watching. Cheers eh! 🥃
Good spot on the Campbeltown malts. For me Octomore peat is earthy and vegetal like these, not medicinal, burning rubber like Islay peat. Its also delivered differently, I find it comes in as a wave after the initial sweet, light flavours on the palate. Meikle Toir Turbo is just as good but not on the same peat level, also good luck finding a bottle. We picked up one from the distillery on launch day, went back in the afternoon and they were sold out! Everywhere! In terms of general peatiness (is that a word?) the Lagavulin Special Release 2022 has one of the most complete peat profiles I've had. It has all of the elements, from the smoky bonfire of Kilchoman to the iodine of Laphroiag and the vegetal notes of Octomore.
I didn't realize the Turbo sold out quite that quickly! Glad you agree on the Campbletown Malts. I love the Lagavulin 12CS releases typically. I just tried the 2023 and despite the tequila cask it is still pretty darn delicious. Hoping a fee bottles of that Turbo sneak their way over to Canada. One can dream 😜 Cheers Pete 🥃
Being on the West Coast, Westland in Seattle is putting out some nice, cask strength heavily peated single malts as well as McCarthys in Oregon. PM if you ever want to meet up for some samp swaps the next time you are in the area :)
Thanks for the offer Travis! If I'm on my way down to Seattle I'll let you know! Same offer stands on my part, if I can get them across the border 😆 I really want to get to know Westland a bit more. Also keep an eye out for some Washington peated Macaloney's Island Distillery Heavily peated Canadian Single Malt from Victoria. It uses the same peat source as Westland does for Solum but smokes the malt themselves at the distillery resulting in a phenol count of 54PPM! It's getting exciting locally on both sides of the border! Cheers buddy 🥃
@@whiskyonthewestcoast Very cool! I know the initial batches of WA peat coming out of Skagit Valley Malting were pretty light (they didn't want to go overboard with it being a new process), so I find Solum to be pretty lightly peated. However, I do know that batch 2 is supposed to be little more robust, set to release in Feb. You have me intrigued with this Macaloney's Island!
Lagavulin 12 (the bourbon cask versions) are heavy hitting peat bombs similar to octomore .1 releases
My favourite Lagavulin I own is my Lagavulin 12 CS 2017 and it's fantastic. Love that bottle, great suggestion. Cheers Matt 🥃
My wife gave me a bottle of Wemyss Peat Chimney Batch Strength Batch 2 for Christmas. It is a blend, and I don't know the price outside of Norway, but I find it to be a good wee dram for a peat head as me. Thanks for a very interesting video.
You're welcome for the video, really glad you enjoyed it! I tried the Peat Chimney while in Edinburgh and thought it was pretty good. Runs between $70-$80 CAD here. Good suggestion for a nice and affordable peated whisky! Cheers Knut 🥃
I like my $67 Port Charlotte Islay Barley Heavily Peated Whisky. Laphroaig 10 CS for $96 is a great deal too. Thanks for your review.
Both are fantastic options! Laphroaig 10 CS for the biggest peat punch but that PC Islay Barley is likely closest. Awesome price on it too, not sure I'd buy much else at $67! Cheers Dileep 🥃
Great video! honestly I haven't drank octomore YET, but I definitely will someday. nevertheless, I like your alternatives. I love Port Charlotte, but Torabhaig is my discovery, it's really good, interesting and intriguing. And YES Laphroaig 10y CS is Great !!! Regards.
Thanks Marcing! Hope you get a chance to try Octomore some day but that Torabhaig is a real rising star as you already know. Cheers 🥃
Great alternatives but Octomore is pretty unique.
It's a pretty singular experience. Not much like it out there. Very unique indeed. Cheers Sandy 🥃
I love the Port Charlotte!! Great and informative video as always.
Port Charlotte never seems to disappoint! Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers eh 🥃
Depending upon your location, there are some independent Laphroaig’s (Williamson) 6-8 yo that are pretty outrageous. Berry Bros being my favourite.
I love my Williamson releases. Only have 2 at home but have my eyes on a Carn Mor Cask Strength 1st fill Sherry Williamson. I hope to find a Berry Bros one as I've heard bonkers things about even 4 or 5 year old Berry's Williamson's. Cheers Sparky 🥃
Yes! I agree with the last one for sure. As for the list, I love them all! Thanks for sharing, Cheers!
Thanks Jon, it was a fun list to make! Tough to come in with any peat punch bigger than Laphroaig 10 CS. Cheers neighbour 🥃
Thanks for the info. Very informative and knowledgeable.
Thanks for the kind comment Dakota, and thanks for watching! Cheers eh 🥃
I just got a bottle of Kilchoman PX Matured (min 5 years) that I won in a lottery. I honestly wonder if it is their attempt at an Octomore market equivalent. It is a smoke BOMB. Thanks for this video!
Gotta love a BBQ smoke bomb whisky like that Kilchoman PX! Would be fun to side hy side it. Thanks again for the making that Bunna 12CS landing here in Chilliwack possible! Cheers Joel 🥃
@@whiskyonthewestcoast No problem! Any time.
Nice mix of options.
Thanks man! It's a whisky made to be singular and different than every other so it's tought to say anything is a perfect Alternative. Cheers 🥃
Nice list Matt! I fully agree with your selections and I might add a Kilchoman Machir Bay Cask Strength but for a peaty slap in the face Laphroaig 10 CS is definitely my go to.
Oh Kevin, you've reignited my desire to try the Machir Bay Cask Strength. I really need to get a bottle of that in my hands and cracked. I'm certain it's a belter. Cheers 🥃
Thanks!
John, thank you so much! That was a super kind gesture. Glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers eh!🥃
I would throw into the mix Kilchomen SANAIG :)
I love my bottle of Sanaig. Beauty of a bottle, good suggestion. Cheers Todd 🥃
Great video. My favourites are Longrow 18yo ans Springbank 12CS. I know they’re hard to find.
So hard to find! I count myself lucky to have the one bottle of Longrow 18 that I do have but that's a great alternative. Cheers Henri 🥃
I like the Kilchoman 50 ppm bottlings but they aren’t 100+. Regardless they are cheaper and I like them just as much.
Kilchoman is making great stuff, and their 55ppm bottlings make for good heavy peaters. Heard great things recently about their PX release. Personally, I forgive them for the super market sin that is Loch Gruinart and the price on the 16 year old 😅 They are better than that. Now back to my beautiful Islay Barley. Cheers Watchman! 🥃
An apt video for me as I was just gifted a bottle of Octomore 13.3! As a certifiable peat head, I look forward to opening it and comparing it other big-peat bottles in my current lineup.
I'm a huge fan of the Kilkerran HP batches; so far, I'm not sure I've fallen as hard for anything else.
PC10 is usually on my shelf, too. I just need to hold off on the 10 and get into their more expensive expressions since, like the 10, they draw so much praise.
The only Laphroaig I buy is the 10CS Nearly finished with my bottle of Batch 15 and am tempted to buy Batch 16 since I understand it's close to the 15. Anyone out there had the 15 and 16? Is one superior to the other?
I did buy the Allt Gleann. I think it was quite green but certainly promising. A cask-strength version would be interesting...
Haven't had the Corryvrecken but love Uigeadial (I really enjoy the bourbon-sherry-peat combo of this and others). I also really like the Machir Bay CS; to me, this is one that actually improves with some time and air in the bottle. Seems to gain a buttery note and feel to it. I wonder if anyone out there feels similarly...
Have you or anyone else out there commenting had the Octomore 13.3? Curious to know your thoughts.
Yeah I'd say you are a certified heavily peated whisky enthusiast haha! You are on top of this! I tried the Kilchoman Machir Bay CS and really enjoyed it, I just have trouble looking past the 100% Islay, it has my heart. As does Port Charlotte, Kilkerran HP, Octomore and Laphroaig 10CS.
In response to you question I have tried a sample of the 13.3 and I did a video comparing the PC SC:01, and the Octomore 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3. I don't remember clearly but I think my favourite this time was the 13.1, which is strange because I loved the 12.2 and the .3's are typically my favourite. I think slight Sulphur notes played a part in my decision but I can't remember if the Sulphur was on the 13.2 or the 13.3. Hope this helps, if not look for the video in my library. Cheers eh 🥃
Nice one Matt, good alternatives. I've never felt Octomores satisfied by peat cravings. I enjoyed having them and I think they're well made but I think they're massively overrated and the ppm never translates to the bottle. I had the same issue with last years Hypernova. I've also never connected with any Kilkerran I had. PCs, Longrow, Torabhaig and Laphroaig are all fantastic whiskies. Great video man, cheers!
Thanks man! I think we live in a pretty cool time for whisky when we can pick through and choose multiple different styles of heavily peated whisky to find what suits our palate best. Pretty friggin cool 😎 I will admit that the Octomore peat doesn't come across as the on grain ppm numbers would suggest. And I'm right there with you enjoying the Port Charlotte's Longrow Torabhaig and Laphroaig. Cheers buddy 🥃
We live in a great whisky time 😃🥃@@whiskyonthewestcoast
Wish I could have gotten my hands on that Turbo when I bought the other 3 Meikle Toir releases but that sucker sold out in SECONDS wherever it was available =(
It was a hot bottle 🔥 I'm hoping to catch one of the magical bottles that may or may not come to western Canada. But hey, 3 out of 4 ain't bad 🤷♂️ Cheers Hex, here's to Turbo hunting 🥃
Personally I think the list is just about heavy PPM suggestions, but profile-wise they're quite different from octomore. even the port Charlotte MRC and bunnahabhain moine bordeaux cask can't compare to octomore😅 the creamy sweet chocolate-y palette is quite unique for octomore on its own way😊
Octomore really is quite the singular and unique entity without a perfect comparable or alternative, but it's fun to try haha 😄 As you suggested it may have been better to feature the heaviest peated or highest PPM whiskies instead. Cheers eh! 🥃
Is there any health benefits or adverse effects of peat?
Hi. I suspect overconsumption of alcohol would far worse. Inhaling peat smoke is also probably worse than drinking peaty scotch. But I don’t know for sure. Chemical structure of the phenols would provide some insight.
Very interesting question! 🤔 From doing some searching it seems there is a gap in academic understanding on this topic. There was a scholarly journal that cited a potential aid in being able to absorb antioxidants after jntake of 100ml of peat smoked liquid. But that is an article from 1998 and that is a large amount of peated whisky to potentially achieve that impact. Likewise unsure of the potential negative impacts. I appreciate the question though because it's actually a really interesting one! Cheers 🥃
"if you believe in terroir".. It should be clear it's a real thing in whisky world.... One day maybe!
I am with you! Man, I have had so much push back from people in the past when I pushed this point. I believe, from what I've experienced in these Islay Barley/Bere Barley experiments that terroir in whisky has a big impact. I'll now prepare myself to be shouted down by those who assert that terroir could not be present post double distillation. Uggh. Cheers eh, and thanks for the comment 🥃
How on Earth can he review whisky he never tried?
The liver only has so much capacity and i can't try them all. But did I review the GlenAllachie Turbo or the Torabhaig Batch Strength? I don't think so since I didn't score them. I simply provided my rationale on why they would be good alternatives to the high phenol count Octomore whisky. Someone can form notions and opinions from analysis not just experience with tasting. Furthermore I was trying to answer the question as best I can and there will always be whiskies I haven't tried that exist. I figured honesty about it would be a better policy in trying to provide the best answer. Thoughts? Cheers 🥃