Bruichladdich has just unleashed the latest iteration of its legendary Octomore series, the Octomore 15. Octomore is Bruichladdich's line of super-heavily peated single malts, often pushing the boundaries of what's considered "smoky" in the whisky world. It's a series that has garnered a cult-like following among those who crave that intense smoky dram.

As with previous releases, the Octomore 15 series comprises three distinct expressions, each offering its own unique take on the interplay of peat and cask influence. And as always, these whiskies are distilled, matured, and bottled entirely on the windswept isle of Islay. If you're keen to snag a bottle, you'll find them available on Bruichladdich's website and at select retailers. 

Octomore 15.1

First up is the Octomore 15.1. This one's been matured in a combination of first-fill Bourbon barrels and reused, re-charred ex-Bourbon barrels. It clocks in at a respectable 59.1% ABV, and the 100% Scottish barley used was peated to a hefty 108.2 PPM. On the nose, you can expect notes of vanilla custard and sweet malt, while the palate delivers flavours of mango, bananas, and apricot jam.

All this for a cool US$205.

Octomore 15.2

Next, we have the Octomore 15.2. This expression takes a slightly different path, made with 100% Scottish barley and having been aged in second-fill wine casks and second-fill Bourbon casks, with a finishing period in Cognac casks. The ABV is at 57.9%, but the peat level remains the same at 108.2 PPM. The nose offers up aromas of citrus and peat smoke, while the palate is said to be smooth with notes of vanilla custard and caramel.

This one will set you back US$245.

Octomore 15.3

Finally, we come to the Octomore 15.3. This is the big daddy of the series, boasting a staggering 307.2 PPM phenol content. That's the second-highest peat level ever achieved in an Octomore release, only surpassed by the legendary Octomore 8.3.

The barley for this expression was grown and harvested on a farm less than two miles from the distillery, adding another layer of local flavour. Maturation took place in first-fill Bourbon casks and first-fill oloroso hogsheads, and the final ABV is a robust 61.3%. Expect aromas of smoked cinder toffee and rich malted barley sugar on the nose, with flavours of dried fruit and sweet orange zest on the palate.

This comes at US$280.

According to Bruichladdich's Head Distiller Adam Hannett, the Islay barley used by Bruichladdich works exceptionally well with high phenol levels. Octomore 15.3 just balances that intense peat smoke with a cereal-forward, malt-sugar spirit.

"Octomore is an experiment. It is purposely designed to spark intrigue and prove the unimaginable. Based on liquid profile alone this should be a one dimensional, overly-peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky with no depth – but we've created the opposite.

This is a whisky which is layered and complex, there's nothing else like it. Creating a brand new Octomore series each year is a welcomed challenge. It is a moment to pause, reflect, question, and push our boundaries of whisky making. Who knows what will come next."

– Head Distiller, Adam Hannett

So there you have it, the Octomore 15 series in all its peaty glory. The complete series is now available for purchase online on Bruichladdich's official website or at specialist whisky retailers.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team