Following a similar path to the Octomore 14.1, this 14.2 edition is also distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland barley and has been malted to the same 128.9PPM. However, the liquids diverge profoundly with the influence of wine and sherry casks on the 14.2 spirit. With over 200 different cask types in the warehouses, Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, has selected casks that have previously held Oloroso and Amarone – with the distinct sweetness and nuttiness of this combination creating an exceptional single malt. Hailing from the renowned wine regions of Spain and Italy respectively, the spirit is then brought together in French oak, adding remarkable depth and complexity to the single malt. Octomore’s signature peak smoke notoriously pairs well with Oloroso sherry casks, with the influence of the wood adding a robust, savoury flavour to the final spirit. The oak from the Amarone casks also has a significant impact on the spirit, imparting rich, red fruit notes - giving structure and cohesion to the 14.2. Like the 14.1 this whisky was aged for 5 years and distilled in 2017 from Concerto barley from the 2016 Scottish harvest, this whisky was matured for 4 years in the Oloroso (40%), Amarone 1st fill (16%) & Amarone 2nd fill (44%), followed by 1 year in Pauillac wine casks. Bottled at 57.7% and 128.9ppm. Deep Amber in colour, on the nose leather, prunes, red currants and malted barley come to the fore, followed by toasted oak and hints of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Waves of smoke and distinct red fruits follow, complemented with cereal notes of malt and porridge. The peat smoke is dry and brooding, with a hint of burnt heather and subtle pipe tobacco from the oak. On the palate the influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the vibrancy of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a crack of black pepper is complemented with rich fruit cake and dried fruits. A drop of water opens the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks, bringing a beautiful balance as notes of apple and pear grow with the dram. Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.

Nowhere is the dualism of their Octomore super heavily peated series more pertinent than in their .1 edition. Never as expected, delicate but powerful, this is unadulterated heavy smoke balanced with their vivacious and dynamic, fruity and floral distillate. While Octomore in itself does not conform to tradition, their Head Distiller Adam Hannett is inclined to mature Octomore .1 editions solely in ex-American whiskey casks for 5 vibrant years. Octomore 14.1 is the necessary control for the rest of the series, as experiments within an experiment, but their baseline should not be underestimated. Mainland grown Scottish barley is distilled in a patient and considered trickle. The base for this latest series showcases the delicate and intricate balance between smoke, malt, cask and maturation – resulting in an all-encompassing drinking experience. Matured for five years in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks, the 14.1 shows the power and potential of its essential raw ingredients. Sweet caramel and vanilla open on the nose, with bright citrus cutting through Octomore’s signature smoke - elevated with roasted coffee and subtle spice. The backbone of the 14th annual Octomore series, the character of the 14.1 offers a necessary comparison from which the other expressions alternate and evolve. Distilled in 2017 from Concerto barley from the 2016 Scottish harvest, this whisky was matured for 5 years in first-fill ex-American whiskey casks. Bottled at 59.6% and 128.9ppm. Light Amber in colour, the nose starts with 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. There is 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. 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.