Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Diverging from the path of the Octomore 14.1 and 14.2 , the 14.3 edition is also distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland barley and aged for 5 years however here the process takes a .

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. Octomore 14.3 demonstrates the extraordinary pursuit of flavour when combining super-heavy peat with the variable local harvests from its island home.

Like the 14.1 and 14.2 this whisky was aged for 5 years and distilled in 2017 from Concerto barley from the 2016 Scottish harvest, this whisky was matured in 50% First-fill ex-American whisky casks and 50% second-fill wine casks. Bottled at 61.4% and a whopping 214.2ppm.

The colour is pure gold, with the 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. On the 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. On the 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. 

Each of the 14s has its own distinct character while staying true to the Octomore DNA, this series showcases what can be achieved when we consider every element which contributes to the depth, balance and complexity of each drop of whisky. - Adam Hannett, Head Distiller.

The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Islay
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 61.4%