Octomore unveils super-heavily peated expression
Completing the latest Octomore 15 series, Bruichladdich Distillery has added a super-heavily peated offering to the collection.
Octomore Series 15 Ten Aged Years has been distilled from 100% Scottish Concerto barley and malted to 107 PPM. It joins the most recent trio of Octomore single malt whiskies; 15.1, 15.2 and 15.3. The experimental series is said to push the boundaries of whisky making, taking a closer look at the ‘intense power’ of peat as well as the 'profound' influence of cask maturation, locally grown malting barley and the passing of time. “The quiet passing of time together with this particular cask maturation profile has helped shape our latest Octomore expression,” said Adam Hannett, head distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery. “The oldest expression in this year’s series, the oak has left an incredible mark on the final 10-year-old spirit, bringing fresh fruit notes and layers of wood spice, cinnamon, and coffee. It’s incredibly viscous in texture, with layers of flavour enveloped in Octomore’s signature peat smoke.” The whisky has been ‘shaped by the unique locale of its island home’, having been matured on the shores of Lochindaal for the past decade. A base of Octomore spirit aged in first-fill Bourbon casks was layered with Octomore spirit aged in Pineau des Charentes casks, second-fill Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts and first-fill red wine casks. In 2024, with the oak influence at its peak, all casks were then blended and left to marry for the final six months before bottling. The result is a 52.2% ABV whisky that first offers dried fruit, butterscotch and caramel on the nose, followed by creamy vanilla, buttered popcorn, and a hint of orange blossom. On the palate, sweet smoked fruit is described as ‘unmistakable’, with the ‘heady influence’ of the Sherry butts punctuated with a ‘vibrant medley’ of mango, apricot and candied citrus. Wood spices, roasted coffee beans and charred oak are said to be drawn out on the finish, while earthy peat smoke and burnt Islay heather linger. “Octomore at this age is quite special,” added Hannett. “The patient 10-year maturation adds depth and elegance without losing any of its powerful, peated character. The specific combination of casks bring sweet dried fruits, toasted oak and butterscotch, which works amazingly well with Octomore’s unmistakable dry smoke.” Octomore Series 15 Ten Aged Years is priced at £175 (US$223) and is a Bruichladdich Distillery exclusive. It is available to purchase online at bruichladdich.com and in person at the distillery visitor centre on Islay.
