In the ever-evolving landscape of Scotch whisky, the introduction of Octomore 14.4 stands as a testament to unrelenting curiosity and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of single malts. Priced at £175.00 and boasting a robust 59.2% Alcohol by Volume (ALC./VOL.), this limited-edition release is the grand finale of the 14th annual Octomore series, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of Bruichladdich Distillery.
Maturation Unveiled: Colombian Virgin Oak
The pièce de résistance of Octomore 14.4 lies in its unprecedented maturation process. Breaking new ground, this expression is the first-ever Octomore to be exclusively matured in Colombian Virgin Oak casks. Sourced from the rare Colombian Oak, bearing a striking resemblance to French Oak, these tight-grained casks impart an exquisite medley of sweet vanilla and caramel notes to the whisky. Distilled from 100% Scottish mainland barley and peated to an astounding 106 Phenol Parts per Million (PPM), the spirit takes on a character that defies convention.
In an avant-garde move, the distillers at Bruichladdich experimented with various toast levels of Colombian Virgin Oak, ranging from light to medium and intensively high charring. The resulting concoction is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, showcasing the profound influence of oak preparation on both color and flavor.
Tasting the Uncharted: A Symphony of Flavors
As the curtain rises on Octomore 14.4, the sensory experience begins with an apricot-colored elixir that entices the beholder. The nose reveals dry, earthy peat smoke intertwined with charred oak, offering a robust blend of peat and barbeque sweetness. The Colombian Virgin Oak introduces vibrant tropical fruit notes, including sweet peach, mango, passion fruit, and pear drops, all dancing with the aromatic spices of the oak. Light vanilla and coconut add a soft texture, accompanied by a warm custard note.
On the palate, the whisky unfolds as a warming and soft elixir. Initial notes of charred oak and peat smoke are beautifully balanced with apple and pear, giving way to wood spices and aromatic black pepper. Resinous oak accentuates the fruity character, and a drop of water intensifies the spices, earthy smoke, and the heart of the dram, revealing sweet malt and popcorn notes.
The rare Colombian Virgin Oak takes center stage in the finish, offering intense spice and aromatic qualities that accentuate the fruity character while maintaining Octomore’s signature peat smoke at the core. The marriage of toasting and charring levels unlocks the full spectrum of flavors from this unique variety of oak, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Crafting Complexity: Specifications and Reflections
The craftsmanship behind Octomore 14.4 is a result of meticulous attention to detail. Distilled in 2017 from the 2016 harvest, this super-heavily peated spirit boasts a barley provenance of 100% Scottish-grown Concerto barley. Aged for five years and bottled at a formidable 59.2% ABV, Octomore 14.4 embodies the epitome of boldness and innovation in the world of whisky.
Adam Hannett, the Head Distiller at Bruichladdich, reflects on the audacious creation, stating, “This is the first time we have ever experimented with Colombian Virgin Oak casks, and we had no idea how the super-heavily peated Octomore spirit would take to the oak. We trialled different charring and toasting levels to find the perfect balance, honing our knowledge on these single cask variations and the incredible influence these subtle nuances can have on the final spirit."
As a Distillery exclusive, this rare gem is available only at Bruichladdich Distillery and Bruichladdich.com, making it the crown jewel of the 14th annual Octomore series. Octomore 14.4 beckons to whisky enthusiasts, inviting them to savor a symphony of depth, complexity, and innovation—a daring exploration of uncharted territory in the world of Scotch whisky.
