Octomore 14.3 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Octomore series is an annual release from Bruichladdich distillery of super heavily peated whiskies. The series redefined what peated whisky could be; reaching unheard of levels of PPM (from grain readings), yet still producing fruity, balanced, delicious spirit. It takes its name from John Brown’s Octomore farm, where the barley for each of the .3 releases is grown.

As with all Octomore .3s, the Octomore 14.3 is a super heavily peated 5-year-old made from 100% Islay grown Concerto barley, sourced from John Brown’s Octomore farm. This release has been matured in a foundational parcel of first fill ex-American whiskey barrels and a supplementary selection of second fill French oak wine casks.

Distilled in 2017 from a 2016 harvest of 100% Islay grown Concerto barley. Bottled at 61.4% with a PPM of 214.2; the 3rd highest in Octomore history. The European oak gives more subtle structure to the spirit, while the American oak allows the spirit to take centre stage. Expect vanilla and brown sugar, counterbalanced with fresh and round green fruit notes.

Official Tasting Notes:

Nose: Transporting you to the Bruichladdich Distillery courtyard, the aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose. The 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.