Octomore 14: The Impossible Equation

Petra Milde |

The next edition of the heavily peated whisky series has been released

 

Single malt from heavily peated malt, small quantities, traceable variations: The Octomore Single Malt Whisky from the Islay distillery Bruichladdich holds cult status among whisky fans. Today, the 14th edition of the Octomore series was presented.

Head Distiller Adam Hannett created four different single malts, which differ in terms of the barley and cask types used. Three of them are on sale at retailers worldwide, the Edition 14.4, matured in Colombian oak, is only available in the distillery shop.

The extensive and detailed information provided by the distillery on the whiskies ensures great transparency:

OCTOMORE 14.1

  • 100% Scottish barley (Concerto)
  • Harvested 2016, distilled 2017
  • 5 years old - 100% matured on the Island of Islay
  • Full-term maturation in first fill American whiskey casks
  • No chill filtration and no colouring 
  • 128.9 PPM / 59.6% vol.

COLOUR Light Amber

NOSE Smoked vanilla, sweet caramel, and toffee notes open on the nose, with sooty smoke balanced with delicate coconut and flaked almonds. There is an unmistakable earthy smokiness and a hint of citrus, with lemon meringue pie cutting through rich barbeque pork.

PALATE Bright citrus, smoke and a distinct minerality come through on the palate, followed by charred oak and beach bonfire embers. Toffee and creamy vanilla are balanced with the earthy smoke, with bright notes of pear, gooseberry fool and green apple simultaneously adding brightness and depth. Roasted coffee, hints of clove and nutmeg begin to come to the fore, with a gentle hint of heather honey.

FINISH Butterscotch and vanilla are balanced with Octomore’s signature earthy peat smoke and a hint of salt spray, with burnt heather and gorse flowers settling on the finish.

OCTOMORE 14.2

  • 100% Scottish Barley (Concerto).
  • Harvested 2016, distilled 2017
  • 5 years old - 100% matured on the Island of Islay.
  • Matured in first-fill Oloroso hogsheads, as well as first- and second-fill amarone casks
  • No chill filtration and no colouring
  • 128.9 PPM / 57.7% vol.

COLOUR Deep Amber

NOSE Leather, prunes, red currents and malted barley come to the fore, followed by toasted oak and hints of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Waves of smoke and distinct red fruits follow, complemented with cereal notes of malt and porridge. The peat smoke is dry and brooding, with a hint of burnt heather and subtle pipe tobacco from the oak.

PALATE The influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the vibrancy of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a crack of black pepper is complemented with rich fruit cake and dried fruits. A drop of water opens the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks, bringing a beautiful balance as notes of apple and pear grow with the dram.

FINISH Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.

OCTOMORE 14.3

  • 100% Concerto Islay barley from Octomore Farm.
  • Harvested 2016, distilled 2017
  • 5 years old - 100% matured on the island.
  • Matured in first-fill ex-American whiskey and second-fill wine casks
  • No chill filtration and no colouring
  • 214.2 PPM / 61.4% vol.

COLOUR Pure Gold

NOSE Transporting you to the Bruichladdich Distillery courtyard, the aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose. This soft, biscuity malt is followed by peat smoke and an assortment of sweet, stoned fruits, with ripe apricots, peach and honey-drizzled pears. Candied lemon peels add a hint of citrus, balanced with butterscotch, honeycomb, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.

PALATE Delicate oak notes immediately come through, followed by the presence of smouldering peat. Floral hints of gorse and honeysuckle rise above the malty Islay-grown barley, which is rich and sweet with creamy porridge and cereal notes. The structure of the French oak, together with the sweet vanilla and toffee of the American oak, combine beautifully, bringing a harmonious balance to the palate.

FINISH Malted barley and earthy smoke dominate, followed by lingering notes of sweet barley sugar. Caramel and vanilla add a final touch of rounded sweetness.

 

Picture: Bruichladdich via EGGERS & FRANKE GmbH

 

 

About the author Petra Milde

Petra Milde is a freelance author of books and specialist writing about spirits and food. She has been supporting the Whisky.de editorial team since 2015 and creates informative and entertaining articles in the news section.

Besides her writing work, she moderates tastings and can be met at spirits fairs, both behind the stands and in front of them, looking for new products and interesting people to talk to.

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