The Bruichladdich Octomore 15 Series (featuring 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3) includes one of the most heavily peated single malts in the history of whisky
Bruichladdich has unveiled the latest edition of super heavily peated Octomore whisky series, Octomore 15. Featuring Octomore 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3, the trio of experimental single malt whiskies includes the second-most heavily peated spirit in the history of the collection.
Like previous editions, each expression in the series has been matured for five years, and explores the nuances of barley provenance, cask types, and varying peat levels. The result is a diverse and surprising tasting experience. Referred to by the brand as the “Impossible Equation,” these whiskies look to defy conventional whisky wisdom and deliberately provoke questions.
“Octomore is an experiment”, says Bruichladdich Distillery Head Distiller Adam Hannett. “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.”
Octomore 15.1
Starting with the backbone of the series, Octomore 15.1 looks to showcase the balance of intense smoke, cask type, and spirit that defines the Octomore range. The spirit is matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and re-charred ex-bourbon casks. On the nose, the Scotch delivers notes of caramel, vanilla custard, and sweet malt, followed by mango, banana, and apricot jam, all enveloped in a blanket of earthy peat smoke. Priced at £140, the expression provides a benchmark from which the other expressions diverge.
Octomore 15.2
Octomore 15.2 looks to showcase the profound effect cask type has on the final liquid. Distilled from the same batch of Scottish grown barley, the 15.2 uses a specific combination of second fill wine and second fill bourbon casks, with the spirit finished in first fill Cognac casks. This trifecta adds layers of intrigue, resulting in a more complex single malt Scotch whisky. On the nose, citrus fruits balance Octomore’s signature peat smoke with vanilla custard and caramel coating the palate. A crack of black pepper juxtaposes the sweetness, while a subtle maritime quality lingers. 15.2 is available for £155.
Octomore 15.3
Octomore 15.3 completes the experimental trio, with the heavy-weight 307.2 PPM making it second to the renowned Octomore 8.3 in terms of extreme phenol content – with the 8.3 believed to be the most heavily-peated spirit in the world to date at 309 PPM. As well as formidable peat levels, the 15.3 has been distilled from variable harvests from a single farm on Islay to showcase terroir.
“The goal is never to intentionally create the most super-heavily peated single malt whisky in the world, but rather an extraordinary dram which demonstrates the perfect alchemy of peat, maturation, barley varietal and cask type,” says Hannett. “And that’s Octomore 15.3 for me.”
Octomore 15.3 matured in a combination of first fill bourbon casks and first fill Oloroso hogsheads from Ferando de Castilla, Jerez, Spain. The single malt whisky is high strength but soft in texture. Smoked cinder toffee and rich malted barley sugar are notable on the nose, with the spirit’s smooth character punctuated with dried fruit and sweet orange zest. Octomore’s inimitable peat smoke settles on the finish, with coconut adding a delicate freshness. 15.3 is priced at £195.
The Octomore 15 Series is now available globally in selected specialist retailers and online via the brand’s official website.
If curious, checkout the B Corp distillery’s 14th Series.
