Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whisky, crafted by Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, is renowned for being one of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world. A true embodiment of innovation and boldness, Octomore challenges the conventional boundaries of flavor intensity and complexity. Each expression of Octomore is a masterful display of controlled power, balancing the immense peat smoke with surprising finesse and depth. Notes of vanilla, honey, and citrus often weave through the peaty profile, showcasing the skillful art of whisky making. Octomore is not just a whisky; it's a statement in the world of single malts, pushing the limits of what is possible in flavor and intensity.
The Islay barley for Octomore 14.3 is sourced just two miles away from the distillery at Octomore farm, resulting in a single malt that prominently showcases its cereal characteristics. This spirit stands as a testament to the pivotal role of the raw ingredient and the revitalization of the farming community responsible for its cultivation.
Under the skilled guidance of Head Distiller, Adam Hannett, this high-provenance single malt extracts the essence of the Islay barley. Aged in a blend of first-fill ex-American whiskey casks and second-fill wine casks, the wooden notes complement rather than overpower the grain, preserving the distinct taste and essence of the Islay barley's origin.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Transporting you to the Bruichladdich Distillery courtyard, the aromas of hot, sweet mash are unmistakable on the nose. This soft, biscuity malt is followed by peat smoke and an assortment of sweet, stoned fruits, with ripe apricots, peach and honey-drizzled pears. Candied lemon peels add a hint of citrus, balanced with butterscotch, honeycomb, chocolate and vanilla ice cream.Palate: Delicate oak notes immediately come through, followed by the presence of smouldering peat. Floral hints of gorse and honeysuckle rise above the malty Islay-grown barley, which is rich and sweet with creamy porridge and cereal notes. The structure of the French oak, together with the sweet vanilla and toffee of the American oak, combine beautifully, bringing a harmonious balance to the palate.Finish: Malted barley and earthy smoke dominate, followed by lingering notes of sweet barley sugar. Caramel and vanilla add a final touch of rounded sweetness.
Octomore 15.2 is an exceptional single malt whisky, showcasing the unique combination of American oak, red wine, and French ex-cognac cask maturation. Crafted from 100% Scottish barley and peated to 108.2 PPM, this expression offers a compelling comparison to its 15.1 counterpart, highlighting Octomore’s distinctive character and innovative approach to whisky-making.
Tasting Note by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sweet citrus, lime zest and lemon meringue pie open on the nose, followed by toasted oak and a hint of earthy smoke. A medley of tropical fruit enhances the vibrancy of the single malt whisky, balanced with woody spices, smoked honey, toasted bread, and roasted coffee.Palate: Viscous in texture, the sumptuously smooth spirit brings vanilla custard, caramel, toffee and a crack of black pepper. Charred oak, cinnamon and a hint of nutmeg provide added depth with pear drops and dried apricot cutting through Octomore’s inimitable peat smoke.Finish: An unmistakable maritime quality lands on a finish, with waves of salt spray settling on the palate while peat embers linger.
Using the same Scottish mainland Concerto barley (101.4 PPM) as 16.1, Octomore 16.2 is matured in a complex mix of Oloroso and Bordeaux casks, then finished in Madeira and Moscatel. This adds richness and layers of caramelised sugar, roasted nuts and dried fruits, enveloped in sweet campfire smoke. A multi-layered and deeply satisfying dram, showcasing elegance alongside robust character.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Dried fruit with Octomore smoke, tropical fruit, florals, nuttiness, toasted oak, honeysuckle, orange blossom, sweet smoke and salty breezePalate: Sweet smoke, caramelised sugar, roasted nuts, dried fruits, candied peel, warming spices, campfire warmth and sea saltFinish: Long, sweet and smoky with maritime freshness and lingering wood spice
Distilled from 100% Islay Concerto barley grown on Octomore Farm, peated to 189.5 PPM. Matured for five years in a combination of Bourbon, Sauternes and Pedro Ximénez casks, 16.3 showcases single-estate provenance, high smoke levels and layered maturation. Notes of honeyed malt, toasted grain, earthiness, smoke and salinity reveal themselves slowly, creating a contemplative, archetypal Octomore expression.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Heather, bonfire smoke, barley sugar, baked bread, lemon zest, green apple peel, florals, restrained smoke.Palate: Honeyed malt, toasted grain, earthiness, orchard fruits, citrus, vanilla, smoke, salinity, heather and gorse.Finish: Medium-length with sweet barley, floral notes, gentle beach bonfire smoke, citrus and minerality.
The entry point of the Octomore 16 Series, distilled from 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley peated to 101.4 PPM. Matured for five years in first-fill Bourbon barrels, 16.1 delivers intense peat smoke tempered by surprising delicacy. Salted caramel, honeyed melon and apricot lead into chocolate, coconut, earthy minerality and lingering smoke. A robust whisky, yet balanced by sweet and salty nuances, rewarding patient exploration.
Tasting Notes by Bruichladdich:Nose: Sea spray and orchard fruits with delicate peat smoke, dried heather, camomile, vanilla bean, toasted almond, cedar, smoked paprika and iodinePalate: Gentle peat smoke with salted caramel, honeyed melon, apricot, cinnamon, star anise, sea salt, toffee, chocolate and coconut, earthy minerality and lingering smokeFinish: Long and lingering with peat smoke, black pepper, toffee and sea salt
