Tasting of the Feis Ile 2019 bottling (WB131874) against the Octomore Polyphonic (WB276031). Both are nice drams (though not 90s), but quite different nonetheless. Neither better nor worse. Simply powerful, straightforward, and versatile, yet balanced.
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The Polyphonic initially displays a restrained smokiness. Hay, some sweet fruit (mirabelle plum and baby pear), and maritime notes are more prominent. Only over time does a wood smoke develop. The Feis Ile bottling, on the other hand, is the classic Octomore. Here, cheese, a touch of menthol, and a great deal of smoke take center stage. Straightforward. However, due to the beautiful evolution in the nosing, one might lean more towards the Polyphonic than the more forceful Feis Ile.
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It starts again with sweet yellow fruit. The smoke is now quite noticeable from the beginning, but still not as intense as the Feis Ile. Lots of embers, now also red fruit tending towards berry (but restrained), and spicy oak. The alcohol is well integrated.
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The finish is now dominated by oak. The yellow fruit notes recede. The smoke also becomes more subdued. The finish is somewhat short.