Octomore : Edition 15.2

Tasting notes and recommendations for Octomore Edition 15.2

Tasting

Appearance

The bright, pale golden hue—reminiscent of Hebridean sand—defines this Islay single malt.

Nose

The nose reveals sweet citrus fruits alongside lime zest and lemon meringue pie. Subtle notes of lightly toasted oak complete this delicate aromatic profile.

Palate

On the palate, Octomore 15.2 unveils a creamy texture carried by aromas of vanilla, caramel, and toffee. A hint of black pepper balances this indulgent sweetness.

Food pairings and tasting occasions

This exceptional whisky is best enjoyed neat, at room temperature, or with a few drops of water to fully release its aromatic complexity. Its power at 57.9% ABV and maritime character make it a contemplative spirit, to be savored at the end of a meal.

An ultra-peated Islay whisky of remarkable complexity

Octomore: the most heavily peated whisky in the world

Octomore, an Islay whisky created in 2002 by master distiller Jim McEwan and Mark Reynier at the Bruichladdich distillery, holds the title of the most heavily peated whisky in the world. Owned by Remy Cointreau since 2012, Octomore pushes boundaries with peat levels reaching 258 PPM. Its singularity lies in the use of 100% local barley from Octomore Farm, a consistent bottling at natural cask strength, and an optimal five-year aging period. Produced in ultra-limited quantities, each edition explores different cask maturations, offering outstanding traceability and authenticity.

Edition 15.2: the union of three cask types

Octomore Edition 15.2 stands out for its unique aging regimen, combining second-fill bourbon casks, second-fill wine casks, and a finish in first-fill cognac casks. Distilled in 2018 from 100% Scottish Concerto barley, grown at Scoish and harvested in 2017, this single malt was peated to 108.2 PPM.

Aged for 5 years, Edition 15.2 shares the same barley origin as Edition 15.1, yet differs through its specific maturation program. Bottled at 57.9% ABV at cask strength, without chill filtration or added coloring, this Scotch whisky illustrates Octomore’s philosophy: to reveal the power of peat while preserving extreme elegance and complexity. This limited expression showcases Bruichladdich’s expertise in marrying intense peat with aromatic finesse.