Octomore 14 Series Tasting, The Oak Barrel, Sydney, 21 February 2024. Whisky #1 Nose: Fragrant, flowery peat with notes of honeysuckle, musk, rose, red grape juice and red fortified wine. With the addition of water the peat is more noticeable but despite the words “Heavily Peated” on the label this is a soft and demure Port Charlotte and nothing like the barbecue aromas of some other peated whiskies or earlier PCs. It’s definitely no peat monster … or at least it’s a charming monster with impeccable manners, in evening dress. Palate: The arrival immediately shows more peat than the nose and much less of the floral vinous presence. This is accompanied by lemon, ruby grapefruit and slightly tart orange. There is a shy barley sugar note along with brine and green olive in the later development, but this is balanced by a citric sweetness. The texture is good and oilier than it may first seem. Water brings out just a hint of sour peat and the texture becomes creamier. Finish: Medium/Long. Green vegetables and yellow citrus, trailing to brine and a puff of smoke in the aftertaste. A very fine start to the evening’s tasting. This is not a hugely complex Port Charlotte and it certainly seemed less prominently smoky than some past expressions, but you can’t argue with the fresh honesty of the profile. The wine influence is particularly subtle but I did notice a disconnect between the nose and palate which, together with a touch of unmistakable youth on the palate, made me deduct a couple of points. It is also not improved by the addition of water, which did nothing positive at all really, so I’d suggest taking this one neat. “Very Good” : 85/100 (4 stars)