Octomore : Edition 15.1

Characteristics and tasting advice for Octomore Edition 15.1

Tasting

Appearance

Octomore 15.1 displays a hue reminiscent of a warm winter sun.

Nose

The aromas open with vibrant notes of caramel and citrus, delicately wrapped in dry, earthy peat smoke. Notes of anise, vanilla, and silky custard follow, with tropical fruits, geranium, and a hint of ginger rounding out the sweet malt.

Palate

An immediate sensation of warmth is balanced by a dry, sweet malt and earthy smoke. A refreshingly flavored mix of mango, banana, and apricot jam cuts through the heady peat, beautifully rounded by vanilla custard and caramel. A drop of water allows the smoke to open up, bringing subtle maritime notes and warm sand. The finish reveals peat smoke, vanilla, and gently charred oak, with a lively maritime freshness.

Pairings and tasting moments

Given its exceptional character and aromatic complexity, we recommend enjoying Octomore 15.1 neat, optionally with a few drops of water to fully release its aromas.

An ultra-peated Islay single malt with surprising elegance

Octomore: the world's most heavily peated Islay whisky

Created in 2002 by master distiller Jim McEwan at the Bruichladdich distillery, Octomore is a revolutionary Islay whisky that pushes the boundaries of peat. Owned by Rémy Cointreau since 2012, Octomore holds the title of the world’s most heavily peated whisky, reaching up to 258 ppm. This highly limited range represents only 10% of Bruichladdich’s annual production. Bottled young, typically at five years old, at cask strength and non-chill-filtered, Octomore stands out for its exceptional traceability: the barley comes exclusively from the historic Octomore farm, bringing the notion of terroir into the world of Scotch whisky. Despite its phenomenal intensity, it reveals a sophisticated balance between peaty power and aromatic finesse.

Octomore 15.1: between power and elegance

Octomore Edition 15.1 perfectly embodies the philosophy of this exceptional range. Distilled in 2018 from 100% Scottish barley of the Concerto variety harvested in 2017, this single malt was aged for 5 years in first-fill bourbon casks and re-charred ex-bourbon casks. With 108.2 PPM, it ranks among the most heavily peated whiskies in the world, while revealing surprising elegance despite its intensely peaty profile and high alcohol content of 59.1% ABV, close to that of the cask. This “impossible equation” speaks to Bruichladdich’s outstanding expertise. Bottled non-chill-filtered and with no added caramel coloring, Octomore 15.1 is a unique Scotch whisky that, once sold out, will never be produced again.