Company: Bruichladdich
Distillery: Bruichladdich Distillery
Region: Bruichladdich, Isle of Islay, Scotland
Aging: 5 Years in first fill ex-American bourbon whiskey casks
ABV: 59.6% ABV
Proof: 119.2 Proof
Peat Level: 128.9 PPM
Mash Bill: 100% Islay Single Malt – Barley Variety: Concerto
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $170
Bruichladdich Octomore 14.1 Tasting Notes
Appearance: Light Honey or Hay
Nose: Peat, smoke, brine, salt, caramelized sugar, charred graham cracked and marshmallow, vanilla, light fruits, apple, citrus, earthy
Palate: Sweet caramelized sugar, lots of peat, malt, honey, vanilla, earthy, brine, lightly toasted oak, meaty, bold spice, smoked beef jerky, black pepper, candied fruit
Finish: Long heavy finish with any oily, buttery mouthfeel – leaves you with heavy peat, sweet honey, vanilla, and toasted oak with a black pepper, spice and charred oak
Is Octomore 14.1 an Approachable Whisky?
Octomore 14.1 is a big and bold whiskey coming in at nearly 130 Proof.
It is jam-packed with flavor which is excellent for experienced whiskey drinkers, but beginners beware.
This whiskey will knock your taste buds’ socks off!
Is Octomore 14.1 Complex?
Octomore 14.1 is quite complex.
It has a lot of depth and flavor.
To start, the nose is quite sweet and full of peat, caramelized sugar, vanilla, and light fruit.
It kind of reminds me of a charred graham cracker and burnt marshmallow like you made a s’more right on the grill.
On the palate, you get a big heavy blast of both peat and spice right away.
As the flavors settle in, you start to get more caramelized sugar and vanilla sweetness with a hint of toasted oak from the ex-American bourbon casks.
The finish is long and heavy with an excellent oily mouthfeel and leaves you with a heavy peat, spice and pepper finish.
Bruichladdich’s Description of this Whisky from their Website
“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.
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.”
What are Octomore 14.1’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Octomore 14.1’s strongest attribute is most definitely its peat.
With a whopping 128.9 PPM (parts per million) Peat level, this is far above your average peat level of about 40-50 for Laphroaig and 60-70 for Ardbeg.
The best part about it though is that it all blends seamlessly into a delicious pour that doesn’t overpower your taste buds too far in any direction.
You get big heavy flavors from many different directions on this one.
Is Octomore 14.1 a go-to whiskey?
Octomore 14.1 is pretty pricey and it is not easy for me to find in the United States.
So when I am able to get it, I reserve it for special occasions and to share with my friends who really love Peated whisky.
Is Octomore 14.1 priced accurately to its quality?
Octomore 14.1 is a bit pricey for a peated Scotch, but it delivers a flavor profile that you can’t find in any other bottles.
It really is a treat and is worth the $170 price tag if you are a fan of peated Scotch whisky.
Conclusion for Bruichladdich Octomore 14.1 – Super Heavily Peated – Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bruichladdich Octomore 14.1 is the first of the 2023 Limited Release.
It’s extremely strong and full of bold flavors.
If you’re a fan of peated whisky and see this one on the shelf, pick yourself up a bottle.
In reference to past Octomore bottles, I do think I still like the Octomore 13.4 a bit more than this one but it’s close.
And the Octomore 14.3 is spectacular but also costs more money.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let me know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Thanks for reading and cheers!
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