Bruichladdich Octomore 14.3 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

With a phenol level of 214.2 ppm, 14.3 is far peatier than the first two 14.1 expressions. Distilled in 2017 from the 2016 harvest, it combines super-heavy peat with Concerto barley grown just two miles from the distillery on Octomore farm, delivering a cereal-forward single malt – celebrating the profound impact of the natural, raw ingredient and the renaissance of the farming community who grew it. Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, has matured the malt in a 50/50 combination of first-fill ex-American whiskey casks and second-fill wine casks. The intention was for oak to influence but never dominate the grain. 61.4% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews...  At 214.2 ppm, it’s the peatiest of the three, but in keeping with Octomore’s style, it’s gentle. A lightly tropical nose of pineapple and citrus, with vanilla, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cake, and baking spice. A smooth palate offers more vanilla, spice, and sweet lemon. A very long finish closes the deal. Sumptuous and powerful. 94 points - whiskyadvocate.com

...The Islay-only edition of Octomore 14 is a 5 year old made from 100% Islay-grown barley, peated to 214.2 ppm, and matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and second-fill “European wine” casks, which I take to mean sherry (50/50). Similar to 13.3’s regimen. A pure expression of the power of peat, this whisky showcases bruising levels of smoke on the nose, plus notes of turned earth, red pepper, and a suggestion of rhubarb. Official tasting notes are laden with fruit elements which I don’t pick up with or without water; instead I get a lot of char — like burnt pizza crust, in a good way. On the palate, again I’d suggest water, which doesn’t evoke fruit but does bring out some sweetness. Smoky almonds, brown sugar, nougat, and a layer of salted seaweed all percolate on the finish, which sees some vanilla notes lingering. More elegant than 14.1, but less interesting on the whole than 14.2. 122.8 proof. - drinkhacker.com