Octomore 14.3 demonstrates the extraordinary pursuit of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable local harvests from its island home.
The Islay barley used in Octomore 14.3, grown just two miles from the distillery on Octomore farm, delivers a cereal-forward single malt – celebrating the profound impact of the natural, raw ingredient and the renaissance of the farming community who grew it.
Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, has expertly coaxed the flavour from the Islay barley in this high-provenance single malt. Matured in a combination of first-fill ex-American whiskey casks and second-fill wine casks, the oak influences but never dominates the grain - capturing the terroir and unique flavour of the Islay barley.
Aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose, with the soft, biscuit notes of the malted barley complementing the earthy peat smoke. While smouldering peat lingers, creamy porridge and cereal notes of the Islay barley are balanced with butterscotch, honeycomb and a hint of vanilla.
SPECIFICATIONS
BARLEY PROVENANCE: 100% Islay grown Concerto barley (Octomore farm)
MALTING: Super Heavily Peated
DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2017 from the 2016 harvest
AGE: 5 Aged Years
MATURATION PROFILE: 50% First-fill ex-American whisky casks. 50% Second-fill wine casks
PHENOL LEVEL: 214.2 parts per million (PPM)
STRENGTH: 61.4% ABV
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.
