Ardbeg Supernova and Octomore 6.1

@HeartlessNinny I have the 2010 Supernova (opened in 2012, about 1/3 left). This time I bought the 2014 release and immediately opened it, side by side compared to the 2010 release. In a word the 2014 is smoother and sweeter than 2010 but just as complex. I am not sure the actual PPM measure but I suspect its much less then the 2010 release. It's very expensive but a very good one. For the money I wouldn't buy another one. I will simply enjoy this one for as long as I can.

As for Octomore, I have the 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.2 and 5.1. My friend has the 6.1. My impression of the whole Octomore series is that the early expression (2.1 and 2.2) are truly spectacular worth every penny. With each new release there isn't much nobble excitement to be discovered any more. They all just hang in there with small degree of variation. Since I am not a collector so I stopped buying new release. I rather spend money trying different Scotch.

@HeartlessNinny, I am a fan of the Supernova and Octomore whiskies, and am happy to own some of both types, including Supernova 2014 (unopened).

...But, here where I am located, if I had to choose having no other whisky in my cabinet than one bottle of Supernova 2014 OR a bottle of Corryvreckan + a bottle of Uigeadail + a bottle of Laphroaig 18 yo, I would opt for the three bottles rather than only the one. Your Can$ 250 would buy a bottle of each of those here right now.

@Victor Victor, I totally agree with you re: $250 buy three bottles instead of one Supernova. The problem is that if you spend Cd$250 in BC you can't even buy Uigeadail plus Corryvreckan ($137+$150) unless you get them from US duty free. To make the matter worse, often the "Canadian version" is in 700ml bottle while "US version" is 750ml. Scotch price in Canada (at least in BC) is just pure robbery.

@HeartlessNinny For the first time in the history of Michigan Octomore 6.1 became available this fall I had the pleasure of buying 4 of the only six bottles that came to my area. That said the Ardbeg line of scotches while good does not compare, in my humble opinion, to Octomore and I would pay the price to own one bottle for the others that were mentioned so far. I value any opinions that @Victor has contributed to this discussion, so while I respect and value his input I approach this discussion from the opposite point of view of one outstanding whisky verses three or four very good is the way I have chosen. (:

@PMessinger, yeah, but I just bet that you are assuming that you can have MORE than that one bottle. My supposition was for a completely empty cabinet, one bottle vs three. You'll be fine with that one bottle for about 3 weeks...send me to the desert island with no hope for additonal bottles and I will take the three.

Well, the more I think about it the more tempted I am to grab the Octomore and pass on the Supernova. I figure I better make up my mind quickly though, they seem to be selling rather fast...

@Victor Yes you are correct I was thinking of normal bottle replacement scenarios. In the case you mentioned of being unable to attain more than I can see your position very well, I also jumped at the chance to get as much Octomore as I could because I live in a state that takes a long time to approve new spirits. In that case who knows when Michigan will get more. Looks like more road trips to Binny's in my future. (: