Octomore 14.2 uses the same barley variety and is malted to the same PPM as 14.1, but the liquids diverge profoundly under the influence of wine and sherry casks on 14.2 spirits.
With over 200 different cask types in stock, 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.
The spirit, which comes from the famous wine regions of Spain and Italy respectively, is then collected in French oak, adding remarkable depth and complexity to the single malt. Octomore’s signature peak smoke pairs notoriously well with Oloroso sherry casks, where the influence of the wood adds a robust, savory flavor to the final spirit.
The oak from the Amarone casks also has a significant impact on the spirit, providing rich, red fruit notes – giving structure and coherence to the 14.2.
SPECIFICATIONS
BARLEY Origin: 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley
MALTING: Super heavily peated
DISTILLATION: Distilled in 2017 from the 2016 harvest
AGE: 5 years
MATURATION PROFILE: 4 years in Oloroso (40%), Amarone 1st fill (16%) and Amarone 2nd fill (44%), followed by 1 year in Pauillac wine barrels
PHENOL LEVEL: 128.9 parts per million (PPM)
STRENGTH: 57.7% ABV
NOSE
Leather, prunes, 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 by grain 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.
PALATE
The influence of the European oak is unmissable, with a touch of dryness balanced with the pulse of wood spices, smoked oak and roasted coffee. Barbeque sweetness and a kick of black pepper are complemented by rich fruit cake and dried fruit. A drop of water opens up the smoke and fruity sweetness from the wine casks and brings a beautiful balance, while notes of apple and pear grow with the dram.
EXIT
Smoky malt, smoldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.
