The 14th annual Octomore series is anchored by the 14.1, a variant that sets a benchmark for the others in the series. This latest edition demonstrates a masterful blend of smoke, malt, cask, and maturation, offering a comprehensive and immersive drinking experience. Aged for five years in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks, the 14.1 exemplifies the strength and promise of its fundamental components.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:
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.