Octomore 14.4 Islay Single Malt Whisky (Distillery Exclusive) 5 Year Old · 2017 Vintage

Nose

Dry earthy peat smoke and charred oak open the nose, weaving in tropical fruits and sweet toasted oak. A touch of iodine lingers among the smoke, adding a robust peat-barbecue sweetness. Coconut-vanilla oak notes mingle with peach, mango and passion fruit, while pear drops brighten; the Colombian Virgin Oak lends a warm custard softness.

Palate

On the palate, the whisky is warming and soft. The smoky note is initially that of charred oak and peat smoke, beautifully balanced with notes of apple and pear before wood spices and aromatic black pepper come to the fore. The resinous oak showcases the fruity character of the spirit. A drop of water intensifies the spices and earthy smoke and releases the malty character at the heart of the dram, with sweet malt and popcorn notes.

Finish

The rare Colombian Virgin Oak brings a new dimension to this expression of Octomore. The intense spice and aromatic qualities highlight the fruity character of the spirit while still allowing Octomore’s signature peat smoke to be at the heart of the dram. The combination of toasting and charring levels releases so much from the wood and allows us to experience the full range of flavour from this unique variety of oak.