Try Out Octomore 15 to Feel the Tradition and Experiment
Octomore whiskey is a bold and experimental expression crafted by Bruichladdich distillery on Scotland’s Islay. This is celebrated as the most heavily peated whiskey in the world. Octomore was launched in 2008. And since then, this line has captivated whiskey enthusiasts delivering complex flavors that defy expectations. Experimental line Octomore saw a yearly release. Each release is limited and showcases Bruichladdich’s mastery in balancing extreme peat with nuanced flavors. It has elements like bare origin and unique cask types. Head distiller Adam Hannett embraces the challenge of creating a whiskey that is somewhat intricate, layered, and rich.
Origins and History
Bruichladdich Distillery was founded in 1881. After years of decline, it was rigorously restored in the early 2000s by a passionate team led by Mark Reynier and master distiller Jim McEwan. Launched in 2008, Octomore immediately gained popularity among whiskey enthusiasts. Described as “the most heavily peated whisky in the world” because of its 80 parts per million (PPM) and skyrocketing to an astonishing 307.2 PPM. It delivers a complex profile that balances intense smoke with sweet, fruity notes.
The Octomore 15 Series Overview
Head distiller describes this series of Octomore as an “impossible equation,” perfectly balancing the elements of peat, cask, and barley to create a whiskey which is unique as it is complex.
Octomore 15 consists 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3. The series confidently holds the distillery’s legacy of crafting high-PPM whiskies while driving deep into complex, layered flavors. Each variant of it reflects distinct characteristics shaped by varied cask types and maturation techniques.
- > Octomore 15.1 is bottled at 59.1% ABV, marries first-fill Bourbon barrels with reused casks, delivering a harmonious blend of vanilla custard, tropical fruits, and earthy peat smoke.
- > Whereas, 15.2 expression takes a unique turn with a maturation in second-fill wine casks and a Cognac finish. It offers citrus notes paired with smooth vanilla at a subtle price.
- > Meanwhile, the 15.3 boasts an astonishing 307.2 PPM, marrying intense peat with locally sourced barley.
Octomore 15.1: The Backbone
Octomore 15.1 stands as the mainstay of the renowned Octomore series. Bottled at a robust 59.1% ABV and peated to an impressive 108.2 PPM, this whiskey embodies the essence of Islay’s bold spirit. Its aging process involves a meticulous selection of first-fill Bourbon barrels and re-charged ex-bourbon casks. It allows a rich extraction of flavors.
On the nose, Octomore 15.1 offers inviting notes of vanilla custard and sweet malt. As you take the sip, the palate reveals a delightful medley of mango, banana, and apricot jam, all harmoniously enveloped in layers of earthy peat smoke. This mixture makes it a raw yet beautifully balanced single malt, setting the stage for the rest of the Octomore series.
Octomore 15.2: Wine and Cognac Influence
Octomore 15.2 embarks on a captivating maturation journey, spending its formative years in second-fill wine and bourbon casks before receiving a final flourish in Cognac casks. The wood transforms the whiskey, showcasing the profound impact that diverse cask types can have on peated expressions.
Bottled at 57.9% ABV with the same remarkable 108.2 PPM of peat as its predecessor, 15.2 entices with a complex flavor profile.
On the nose, citrus intertwin with the signature peat smoke, inviting you into its rich tapestry. The palate reveals velvety vanilla custard and caramel, harmonizing beautifully with a subtle peppery finish. this expression explains how various cask influences- wine’s fruitiness, bourbon’s sweetness, and Cognac’s elegance- craft a multifaceted experience.
Octomore 15.3: The Phenol Powerhouse
This expression is a whiskey that pushes the boundaries of flavor with a staggering peating level of 307.2 PPM, bottled at a bold 61.3% ABV. Crafted from Islay-grown barley and aged in a unique combination of first-fill Bourbon and Oloroso hogsheads.
On the nose, it has tantalizing aromas of smoked cinder toffee and rich malted barley sugar, inviting you to explore its depths. The palate reveals layers of dried fruit and sweet orange zest, all wrapped in a velvety mouthfeel. Hennett emphasizes the exquisite balance of intense smoke and malt-sugar character, showcasing Octomore 15.3’s authenticity. It’s not just a whiskey but an intricate tapestry woven from Islay’s essence.
Takeaway
Octomore stands as a trailblazer in the world of super-peated whiskey. Each release pushes the boundaries of what whiskey can be. It merges intense peat with complex profiles that intrigue both aficionados and newcomers alike. Whiskey enthusiasts can find the complete Octomore 15 Series available for purchase on Royal Batch. It is a leading online liquor store. Order now to experience the “Octomore is an experiment” this fall!
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