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For whisky connoisseurs, Bruichladdich distillery’s super heavily peated Octomore single malt Scotch whisky series holds a near-mythical status. Many aficionados eagerly wait each year for the annual Octomore release, and the limited edition bottles tend to sell quickly. Known for their daring experiments with peat and maturation, the super-heavily peated Islay whiskies embody the distillery’s ethos of questioning norms and creating complex, surprising profiles. With the launch of the 15th Octomore series in Malaysia on November 27, 2024, Rémy Cointreau Malaysia and global brand ambassador Abigail Clephane unveiled a trio of whiskies that push the boundaries of flavour, tradition, and peating levels.
Bruichladdich’s Head Distiller Adam Hannett describes Octomore as “an experiment purposely designed to spark intrigue and prove the unimaginable.” At a mere five years old, these whiskies—dubbed the ‘Impossible Equation’—manage to deliver exceptional depth and complexity despite their youth and extreme phenol parts per million (PPM).
This year’s trio, comprising Octomore 15.1, 15.2, and 15.3, balances intense peat smoke with diverse cask influences and the unique terroir of Islay barley. As Hannett explains, “The goal is never to create the most heavily peated single malt whisky in the world, but to showcase the alchemy of peat, maturation, barley varietal, and cask type.”
To give you an idea of how much peat influence is imbued into these whiskies, consider that legendary peated malts like Ardbeg and Laphroaig are typically around 35-55 PPM (phenol parts per million), while Bruichladdich’s own heavily peated single malt, Port Charlotte, clocks in around 40 PPM. Octomore single malts, by comparison, typically exceed 100 PPM, sometimes significantly so.
Octomore 15.1 The Backbone
Considered the foundation of the series, sort of a benchmark, Octomore 15.1 represents Bruichladdich’s meticulous craftsmanship. Distilled from 100% Scottish barley and malted to 108.2 PPM, it is matured in a mix of first-fill bourbon barrels and re-charred ex-bourbon casks to highlight both the spirit’s raw intensity and the interplay of smoke and oak. Bottled at 59.1% ABV, 15.1 offers a rich nose of caramel and vanilla custard, evolving into tropical notes of mango, banana, and apricot jam. The finish delivers earthy peat smoke, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and complexity. We enjoyed this expression, found it well-balanced, and, like most Octomores, surprisingly easy to sip and savour. This is one of the more notably ‘sweet’ expressions of Octomore we have tasted, and adding two or three drops of water really rounds off the mouthfeel and flavour profile very nicely.
Octomore 15.2 Exploring Cask Influence
Octomore 15.2 steps further into experimental territory, demonstrating the profound influence of cask type. Distilled from the same batch of barley as 15.1, the whisky is initially matured in second-fill red wine and bourbon casks before finishing in first-fill Cognac casks. This careful cask interplay lends 15.2 a nuanced profile of citrus fruits and vanilla, layered with a maritime tang. At 57.9% ABV and peated to the same 108.2 PPM as the 15.1, the 15.2 balances sweet and savoury notes, with a crack of black pepper cutting through its richness. This one seemed to be slightly more divisive in our tasting group, with some naming it their favourite of the three expressions, while others put it in the bottom slot. We were among those who ranked this one last among the three. It’s still a very good whisky, but someone’s gotta come in last! The 15.2 is certainly the most enigmatic of the range, beautifully handling the interplay between the three different cask types.
Octomore 15.3 A Peated Heavyweight
The most heavily peated whisky in the series, Octomore 15.3 boasts an astonishing 307.2 PPM, second only to the legendary Octomore 8.3, which outpaced this one by a tiny bit (309 PPM). Sourced from barley grown exclusively on Octomore Farm—less than two miles from the distillery—15.3 is a testament to terroir and micro-provenance. It matures in first-fill bourbon barrels (69%) and first-fill oloroso sherry hogsheads (31%), resulting in a whisky that marries smoky cinder toffee and malted barley sugar with dried fruits and citrus zest. Despite its high strength (61.3% ABV), 15.3’s texture is remarkably soft, delivering a long, smoky finish complemented by hints of coconut. We liked this one, finding it overall the most agreeable of three very enjoyable whiskies.
The Impossible Equation and the Art of Peat and Provenance
What sets the Octomore series apart isn’t just its high peat levels, but also its commitment to Islay’s unique terroir and sustainability. All whiskies are un-chill filtered, with no added colouring, ensuring the purity of their natural flavours. The distillery uses locally grown barley and relies on casks that are carefully selected to enhance rather than overpower the spirit. When you consider the raw numbers—the young age, the soaring peat levels, and the super high alcohol strength—you may think it’s going to be a bombastic, nearly unsippable spirit. But that’s what makes Octomore, well… Octomore. It really is ‘the impossible equation’ because through a process that marries innovation, artistry, and skill ranging from making the right cuts in the distillate to choosing the casks carefully to combining the spirits from multiple casks in a balanced and nuanced way. Every Octomore expression is different, and in the world of Scotch whisky, there’s nothing else quite like Octomore.
For whisky lovers, this year’s release is an invitation to explore the artistry of balance and the endless possibilities of peat. Each bottle tells a story—not just of its extreme phenol levels or bold cask experiments—but of Islay itself, from its windswept fields to its briny shores. This is truly where Bruichladdich shines, as it places a value and an importance on provenance that very few other distilleries do. All of the Octomore 15s feature Scottish barley and a whisky that’s conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled on the island of Islay. The 15.3 takes the provenance a couple of steps further, with the barley not just from Scotland, but from Islay itself. Bruichladdich’s commitment to transparency means that consumers know exactly where the barley was grown, right down to the specific plot of land (McTaggart’s Field on Octomore Farm, if you’re curious!)
Where to Experience the Octomore 15 Series
The Octomore 15 series is now available in Malaysia at select outlets, including Single & Available (Bangsar Shopping Centre), Single Cask (Georgetown and Butterworth), and MH Wine & Spirits (Johor Bahru). Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or new to the world of ultra-peated whiskies, these coveted bottlings promise a journey into the extraordinary.
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