First released in 2008 by Bruichladdich Distillery, Octomore is a groundbreaking single malt that challenges every assumption about whisky. Aged for five years, consistently super-heavily peated and bottled close to cask strength, it delivers an astonishing level of elegance—earning its title as “The Impossible Equation.” Pushing the boundaries of whisky innovation, the latest series investigates the impact of terroir, cask management and extreme peat levels on flavour. Each release stands apart with its own identity, showcasing the balance of intensity, complexity and refinement that defines Octomore.
nose : Blooming heather and distant bonfire smoke. Soft notes of barley sugar and freshly baked bread are brightened with hints of lemon zest and green apple peel, underpinned by delicate florals. Peat smoke is present but restrained.
palate : A symphony of honeyed malt, toasted grain and a distinctive earthiness greet the palate. Orchard fruits, citrus and a touch of vanilla sweetness follow, whilst delicate threads of smoke and salinity weave through the malt, providing a gentle counterpoint to heather and coconutty gorse.
finish : A medium-length finish of sweet barley, accompanied by subtle floral notes, which give way to the gentle smokiness of a beach bonfire. Citrus and a touch of minerality linger on.
Nose: Hazelnut and smoke, accompanied by malty sweetness and ripe fruit. Then come apricots in syrup, ripe pear, malted vanilla reminiscent of cracked barley, crème brûlée and sweet honey. The smoky peat note is discreet but nevertheless quite present. This evokes shoe polish and leather and earth.
Mouth: Soft and mellow, comes the heavily roasted malt reminiscent of smoked muesli with fruit and honey. Then come smoked apricot jam, crushed barley, peat, burnt heather, citrus and redcurrant. With a drop of water, its smoke and elegant minerality become stronger, offering a magnificent counterbalance to its sweetness.
Finish: Sweet with earthy flavors, followed by a smoky, spicy and herbal note.
Nose: Smoky vanilla, caramel and sweet toffee flavors enhanced by peat smoke, coconut and slivered almonds. The earthy smoke harmonizes beautifully with notes of citrus, lemon meringue pie and succulent grilled meat.
Mouth: Citrus, smoke and obvious minerality followed by a burnt oak flavor. Toffee, vanilla, earthy smoke and fruity notes of pear, gooseberry and green apple. Roasted coffee, a hint of clove, nutmeg and heather honey.
Finish: Butterscotch, vanilla and earthy peat smoke typical of Octomore with salty sea spray, burnt heather and broom flowers.
Nose: Leather, plums, currants and barley malt followed by burnt oak and notes of cinnamon, green apple and black pepper. Smoke, discreet at first, is lifted by aromas of red fruits, creamy briar porridge and a touch of pipe tobacco.
Mouth: European oak is clearly perceptible. Dry and spicy, it offers notes of burnt oak and roasted coffee beans. A sweetness close to candied and dried fruit cake, a hint of black pepper. With a little water, the smoke and fruity cask sweetness intensify, bringing out notes of Apples and pears.
Finish: Smoky malt, glowing charcoal, sea salt and earthy smoke.
Nose : An intriguing opening of sea spray and orchard fruits, enveloped by Octomore’s delicate peat smoke. Fine florals of dried heather and camomile emerge, followed by subtle vanilla bean and toasted almond. Cedar, smoked paprika and iodine add complex savoury notes.
Palate : Immediate, yet gentle, peat smoke followed by salted caramel, honeyed melon and apricot. Sweet malt sugars intermingle with cinnamon and star anise. Sea salt, toffee, chocolate and coconut follow, accompanied by a soft wave of earthy minerality and lingering smoke.
Finish : The finish is long and lingering, with the signature peat smoke taking centre stage. Black pepper and toffee intertwine with sea salt, creating a complex and satisfying conclusion.
nose : Soft dried fruit mingles with Octomore’s signature smoke. Sunbaked tropical fruit and delicate florals appear from earthy peat, accompanied by a subtle nuttiness and toasted oak. Notes of honeysuckle and orange blossom emerge, alongside sweet smoke and a fresh, salty breeze.
palate : Rich and sweet smoke, followed by caramelised sugar, roasted nuts, and dried fruits. Subtle hints of candied peel and warming spices follow. The underlying peat adds depth and complexity, evoking the warmth of a campfire and a touch of sea salt.
finish : A long, sweet and smoky finish, with a crisp maritime freshness and lingering wood spices.
