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.
Tasting Notes:
Colour: Deep amber.
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.
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.
Finish: Smoked malt, smouldering oak and sea salt settle on the finish as Octomore’s signature earthy smoke lingers.
"
A robust puff of smoke and tobacco leaf are met marvelously by sweeter, softer notes— lemon pound cake, cinnamon-sugar toast, red berries, and pomegranate. There’s tremendous char on the palate, but it’s balanced by a beautiful sweetness that’s akin to mint tea and campfire smoke. The finish has a hint of meatiness, plenty of pepper, coffee beans, and iodine, and it all comes together exceedingly well." - Julia Higgins, Whisky Advocate (93 Points)
