Scotch

Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Octomore 14.1

We review Octomore 14.1, a super heavily peated Islay whisky that's been aged five years in first fill, ex American whiskey casks.

OVERALL RATING

9
Like Conversation
Octomore 14.1 review

Tasting Notes

About:

distilled in 2017 from a 2016 harvest of 100% Scottish grown Concerto barley; malted to a very smoky 128.9 ppm; aged for five years in first fill, ex American whiskey casks; bottled at 59.6% ABV; price starts at $219.99.
Appearance:
Very light and golden in appearance, almost like the sun. Some viscosity and legs in the glass.
Nose:
Peat, no doubt peat. Not in campfire smoky, overpowering smell kind of way though. Beyond that there is some vanilla, raisin, honey and lighter floral notes here.
Palate:
Bring on the peat. Again not in an overpowering way though. That being said, it is the major note and you could probably open this up with water a bit of you like. As it wanders my mouth apple, vanilla, a hint of oak, some minor spice, honey and maple kick around in a beautiful harmony. Finish is light and ethereal, fading into a pleasant, slightly smoky twilight that haunts me.
Finish:
Comments:
The Bruichladdich Octomore 14.1 is a very well defined look into the world of heavily peated Scotch single malts that don’t have to taste like you’re chewing on charcoal. I love the super peaty taste myself, but it also isn’t for everyone. This whisky thus serves as a good, but complex, entry into this whisky segment for curious drinkers.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti

Nino Kilgore-Marchetti is the founder of The Whiskey Wash, an award-winning whiskey lifestyle website dedicated to informing and entertaining consumers about whisk(e)y globally. As a whisk(e)y journalist, expert, and judge, he has written extensively about the subject, been interviewed in various media outlets, and provided tasting input on many whiskeys at competitions.

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash

Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky Review

Can a budget blend named after a famous tea clipper hold its own? We taste Cutty Sark’s 40% Scotch and see how it stacks up against its Prohibition sibling.