Bruichladdich has unveiled Octomore 14, the latest edition of its super-heavily peated range. The series features a trio of experimental single malts: 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3. each of which is said to push the boundaries of whisky making.
First released in 2008, Octomore single malts are matured for five years, bottled “close to cask strength,” and always super-heavily peated.
“Everything we do at Bruichladdich Distillery is about exploring the fundamentals of whisky making – considering how and where our raw ingredient is grown, understanding the influence of terroir and experimenting with a variety of casks,” said Octomore head distiller Adam Hannett. “These fundamentals are inherent to each Octomore series, and the latest collection is no different. Each of the 14s has its own distinct character while staying true to the Octomore DNA, and 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.”
Bottled at 59.6% ABV, distilled from 100% Scottish barley, and malted to 128.9 PPM (phenol parts per million), Octomore 14.1 stands as “the backbone of the series.” The single malt matured in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks. It offers aromas of vanilla and sweet caramel, alongside hints of citrus cutting through the whisky’s signature peat smoke. It is priced at RRP £140 ($176 USD).
Octomore 14.2 is also distilled from 100% Scottish barley and malted to the same 128.9 PPM. However, the Scotch matured in a combination of oloroso Sherry and amarone wine casks. The peat smoke apparently pairs “notoriously well” with oloroso Sherry barrels, which add a robust, savory flavor to the final spirit. The result is a 57.7% ABV single malt with notes of red currants, rich fruit cake, and roasted coffee, wrapped in smoldering peat smoke. It retails for £155 (195 USD).
Bottled at 61.4% ABV, the Octomore 14.3 was distilled using only locally grown barley to explore the influence it has on the final flavor. It matured in a combination of Bourbon casks and second-fill wine casks, and malted to 214.2 PPM. On the nose, it delivers aromas of hot, sweet mash, with the barley-forward single malt complemented with notes of sweet vanilla, toffee and delicate earthy smoke. It retails for £195 ($245 USD),
The complete Octomore 14 series is available online via the brand’s official website and in specialist whisky retailers.
In March, Bruichladdich Distillery unveiled the first whisky to be classed as an Islay single grain Scotch. The third release in the Bruichladdich Project series: The Regeneration Project, the offering is made primarily from locally grown Islay rye, a first for both the distillery and the island.