Octomore 14.1

Number 4 on the way to 300 (you might guess my 300th). How have I not tried an Octomore before? Bruichladdich is definitely a top 5 distillery for me, so it feels wrong to have missed these experimental wonders. Let's fix that now... Nose: Surprising. Bright, yet dark. Peat smoke is everywhere, as expected. Charred campfire embers, smoky BBQ, coconut, and oily roasted nuts form a solid base for an otherwise lemony, slightly floral brightness. Palate: Big, with a high ABV but not harsh; simply substantial. Very salty, with what I can describe as burnt lemons from cleaning the BBQ after cooking. A creaminess develops over time, slightly ashy, with chocolate, pear, and fresh pastry plus plenty of baking spices. Finish: Medium. Citrus, ash, and saltiness remain, then butterscotch and vanillin emerge as they fade. A floral peat note is the last to disappear. At its high proof, it needed a couple of drops of water and time to settle. The dram becomes much more vegetal and sweeter. Grassy or mild herb notes appear, along with a touch of coffee bitterness. Without other Octomores for comparison, I can't place this. Is it the instantly brilliant standard Bruichladdich? No, certainly not. But the Bruichladdich heart is still there. This is something completely different, which is what Octomores are meant to be, as I understand it. Bold, ashy peat adds an interesting texture to this heavy, brooding young spirit, and I think it's an enjoyable dram to try and keep up with, as it consistently shifts and surprises from start to finish. Whisky taste #297 [Pictured with graphite from Sri Lanka. This graphite is unique to Sri Lanka, the only source of commercially viable coarse vein graphite. Formed in high-grade metamorphic rocks, this vein represents CO2 from the mantle during Gondwana's formation, creating veins during rapid crustal uplift]. Bruichladdich scores Classic Laddie: 4/5 Bruichladdich 18 re/define: 4.75/5 Black Art 10.1 29 y/o: 5/5 Port Charlotte 10: 4.5/5 Port Charlotte CC:01: 5/5 Octomore 14.1: 4/5

A second try: The nose offered more floral notes than I recalled, with increased orange blossom scents, but the smokiness I noted before remains accurate. The vegetal notes I detected previously reminded me this time of linen, which is interesting given both can be common off-notes. Otherwise, my impressions were consistent, though I spent more time diluting the pour. I noticed an absence of rubber or plastic on the watered nose and a general improvement after dilution. I'm feeling generous, so my score is up by one point. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars) --------------------------------------------------- An Octomore 14 Series tasting in Sydney on February 21, 2024. Whisky #3. Nose: Lemon juice, lemon curd, orange blossom water, chalk dust, and a peculiar peat aroma that's mild yet deep – like a huge bonfire that's burned out and been rained on. I'll call it "lingering immensity." Adding water reveals green vegetable water (boiled Brussels sprouts and asparagus, but only mildly vegetal) and sweet cotton candy scents. Palate: A surprisingly gentle and mildly peated arrival that gains sharpness and an edge as it evolves, with ashen citrus and brine becoming the main characteristics. Dilution brings out a herbal quality and a notably creamy texture. Finish: Medium/Long. Citrus, herbs, olives, and grassy notes alongside significant ash. A decent Octomore - not among the best I've sampled, but superior to some from recent years. The ".1" expressions consistently offer the most genuine distillery character, and this is true here. However, it's a bit too sharp and bright for my preference, with the citrus and an almost mezcal-like sweetness competing. It possesses a raw, untamed quality that's admirable but not instantly appealing. "Good": 83/100 (3.5 stars)

Nose - Smoked vanilla, sweet caramel, and toffee notes emerge, with sooty smoke balanced by delicate coconut and flaked almonds. An unmistakable earthy smokiness and a hint of citrus are present, with lemon meringue pie cutting through rich barbeque pork. Palate - Medium body. Bright citrus, smoke, and a distinct minerality appear on the palate, followed by charred oak and beach bonfire embers. Toffee and creamy vanilla are balanced by the earthy smoke, with bright notes of pear and green apple adding both vibrancy and depth. Roasted coffee, hints of clove and nutmeg become noticeable, along with a gentle touch of heather honey. Finish - Butterscotch and vanilla are balanced by Octomore’s signature earthy peat smoke and a hint of salt spray, with burnt heather lingering. Conclusion - A supremely well-balanced dram; among the finest whiskies I've ever experienced. It ranks with previous Octomore drams as top-tier whiskey.

Scotch Lodge 14.x Series whisky advent calendar sampling Smell: fresh vibrant vanilla, smoke that starts bold then softens to sweeter aspects, strong wood, some grain, mild kelp and definite saltiness. Caramel sweetness appears as it airs out. Adding a little water reveals a lovely rich malt/grain taste. Taste: bold alcohol and sharp peat hit first, mellow vanilla cream, citrus peel, ash-like smoke follows it all. Good roasted wood character, a touch sweet and smoky. It's sweeter than anticipated. Water adds more caramel and citrus peel. End: ocean breeze, dying peat fire.

A solid entry point to Octomore. My initial tasting was a bit harsh, but it becomes much more approachable when you're prepared for its depth and intricate nature. The aroma is quite restrained, almost subtle when contrasted with the taste. It starts with a distinct brininess and smokiness, but the flavor then evolves into a sweet and full-bodied experience. There's an abundance of tastes to discern, which I won't even attempt to unravel. You'll certainly detect the alcohol content, but once you overcome that initial intensity and adjust, you'll find yourself unable to put it down. While not my top Octomore pick, the brand consistently delivers. I recommend purchasing it; you won't be sorry. Afterwards, consider trying a “.3” release for an even more impressive experience.

Nose - no burn, I'd describe it as a 'gentle' peaty essence Taste - significantly more peat here with a savory and briny flavor Finish - smooth and smoky, with little to no burn Score - 4.5, very solid, remarkably easy to drink for its high alcohol content Scoring Guide 5.0 - Outstanding, unparalleled 4.5 - Excellent, a staple I'd always try to keep in stock 4.0 - Very good, enjoyable to drink, a reliable choice 3.5 - Good, worth trying again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, drinkable but not enjoyable 1.5 and below - Would avoid unless absolutely necessary