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Octomore single malt Scotch whisky is the world’s most heavily peated whisky series, produced by the innovative Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. First introduced in 2008, Octomore was created to push the boundaries of peat influence, challenging assumptions about how intense smoke could coexist with balance, complexity, and drinkability.

Named after a small farm distillery that once operated near Port Charlotte in the early 19th century, Octomore draws its identity from Islay’s peat-rich terroir and Bruichladdich’s fearless approach to whisky-making. Each release is distilled from malted barley peated to an exceptionally high level, often well over 150 parts per million (ppm) phenols, and in some cases exceeding 300 ppm, making it far smokier on paper than other Islay icons like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, or Lagavulin.

Yet the genius of Octomore lies in how this intense smoke is integrated. Bruichladdich’s tall stills and slow distillation produce a surprisingly elegant spirit, allowing bright fruit, floral notes, and sweetness to shine through alongside the peat. The result is a whisky that is powerful but not overpowering, with a complexity that keeps enthusiasts coming back for each new release.

Octomore is bottled in series rather than fixed age statements, with each annual edition comprising multiple sub-releases. These typically include:
• .1 releases — distilled from Scottish barley and matured entirely in American oak.
• .2 releases — often exploring alternative cask finishes such as wine or fortified wine casks.
• .3 releases — made exclusively from Islay-grown barley, showcasing the island’s unique terroir.
• .4 releases — usually focusing on virgin oak or other experimental cask types.

While most Octomore expressions are aged for just 5 years, this shorter maturation is intentional, preserving the vibrancy of the peat character. Bruichladdich believes that after a certain point, the phenolic intensity begins to soften, and the bold identity of Octomore is best captured in its youth. That said, occasional older editions, such as 10- or 12-year-old Octomore, reveal a mellower, more integrated style.

Flavour profiles vary by release but share common traits: an initial burst of intense, earthy peat smoke on the nose, followed by sweet malt, citrus zest, vanilla, and often red fruit from wine cask influence. The palate combines oily, mouth-coating texture with layers of smoke, sea spray, honey, and spice, while the finish is long, dry, and warming, leaving a lasting impression of smouldering embers and maritime salt.

Collectors and fans eagerly anticipate each new Octomore series, both for its audacious peat levels and for the subtle variations in barley source, cask type, and maturation approach. Despite its reputation for extreme smoke, Octomore often surprises first-time tasters with its finesse, a testament to Bruichladdich’s blending skill and focus on balance.

Our Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whisky selection includes a rotating range of current releases and rare older editions. Whether you’re a peat fanatic looking for the most intense smoke available or a curious whisky drinker interested in how power and elegance can coexist in the same glass, Octomore is a bold, unforgettable dram that redefines what heavily peated whisky can be.