Released 2023:
This limited edition Octomore 13.4 explores the astounding flavour produced when Octomore, the world’s most heavily peated spirit, is influenced by virgin oak – American virgin oak to be precise.
This limited edition Octomore 13.4 began its maturing life in first fill ex-American whiskey casks for six months before being transferred into 300 litre American virgin oak casks, which had been subjected to a high toast level.
This high toast level in the cask brings warming and complex toasted oak notes, with layer upon layer of vanilla, toffee and spice.
Always taking a nuanced approach to exploring the Octomore spirit, Adam comments:
“These casks are like sister casks to those used in the release of the Octomore 10.4. Both distilled in 2016 from the Scottish Mainland harvest of Concerto barley, the defining difference has been in the type of oak species used, with this particular expression using American virgin oak (Quercus Alba), while the 10.4 used European virgin oak (Quercus Robur). The difference in flavour demonstrates the evo
lving suite of compounds found through oak species, the different coopering make-up (cask size) and the time spent in the respective casks.”
SPECIFICATIONS
BARLEY PROVENANCE: 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley
MALTING: Super Heavily Peated
DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2016 from the 2015 harvest
AGE: 5 Aged Years
MATURATION PROFILE: First fill ex-American whiskey and 300 litre American virgin oak cask maturation
PHENOL LEVEL: 137.3 parts per million (PPM)
STRENGTH: 61.6% ABV
Character
The single malt showcases the wonderful combination of American Virgin oak and the super smoked grain of Octomore. The delicate balance between these two powerful forces speaks of the quality of the oak and the skill of the distiller - creating a spirit that must be tasted to be believed.
Colour
Golden Syrup
Nose
Notes of earthy smoke and rich toasted oak open on the nose, followed by hints of almond, honey and candied peels. The toasted oak releases its complexity as gentle spices and sweet vanilla evolve, before notes of nutmeg, sweet tablet, syrup, chocolate and smoky aniseed. Over time, the citrus notes of the spirit cut through the smoke, bringing vibrant candied peel and grapefruit, with the depth of the oak beautifully balanced against the peat smoke.
Palate
Sweet and structured on the palate, a robust texture carries the high strength of the single malt perfectly. Initial notes of toasted oak come to the fore, followed by a subtle hint of tobacco, sweet tablet, golden syrup and clove spiced honey. Complimenting rather than dominating the flavour, gentle peat smoke comes through, beautifully enhancing the toasted notes from the American oak alongside hints of candied peel, praline and geranium.
Finish
Peat smoke steps forward as the oak fades, accompanied by notes of smoked fruit, apple, stewed pear and ripe melon. Dried mango and malted barley flour linger before a salty, marine tang.