Comus was the son of Bacchus, God of wine. This latest version of Octomore was matured in bourbon oak with a finish in French oak casks that held Sauternes dessert wine from Chateau d’Yquem. It contains 167 ppm phenols which makes it the most heavily peated whisky again.

Octomore Comus brings a new version of the Octomore packaging, with a frosted bottle and a white tube: a feminine version?

Octomore 5 yo 04.2 ‘Comus’
(61%, OB 2012, 18.000 btl.)

Nose: tarry and smoky, although the peat blast may not be as heavy as expected (we say this every time we try an Octomore, don’t we?). This is because there’s an equally important biscuity sweetness. Quite some thick fruity notes as well (apricots, grapes). A heathery, grassy, herbal theme too. Added complexity and balance compared to previous expressions. Mouth: oily and very grapey I must say. Pear syrup, tinned peaches. It’s easy to recognize the Sauternes. Mixed with tar liqueur, burnt grass and medicinal notes, the combination works very well. Finish: long, on sweet lemon and peat.

A nice marriage of seemingly contradictory elements. The best Octomore I’ve tried so far. Around € 125.

Score: 88/100