Octomore 15.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 54.2% | Origin: Islay, Scotland | Category: Ultra-Peated Limited Edition Single Malt

Octomore 15.2 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an intense and smoky expression from the renowned Bruichladdich distillery, known for pushing the boundaries of peat. This whisky is heavily peated, yet it showcases a remarkable complexity with layers of rich flavors. On the nose, it offers aromas of brine, seaweed, and earthy peat smoke, while the palate is full-bodied with bold notes of vanilla, citrus, and a distinct maritime influence. The finish is long and smoky, with a touch of spice and oak. Octomore 15.2 is a must-try for fans of smoky whiskies, offering a bold and unforgettable experience.

Tasting Profile

Color: Rich golden amber with copper highlights.
Nose: Intense peat smoke accompanied by maritime salinity and iodine. Complex layers of sweet vanilla, honey, and tropical fruits emerge behind the smoke. Notes of charred oak, leather, and subtle citrus develop with time.
Palate: Remarkably balanced despite its intensity. Powerful peat smoke and maritime brine balanced by sweet malt, vanilla custard, and stone fruits. Rich notes of butterscotch, dark chocolate, and toasted oak add complexity with a touch of black pepper and cinnamon.
Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with waves of sweet smoke, sea salt, and subtle fruit notes lingering impressively.

Production Details

Peat Level: Phenomenally high phenol content (typically exceeding 100 PPM), making it one of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world.
Maturation: Primary maturation in first-fill American whiskey casks with additional maturation in European oak casks.
Cask Strength: Bottled at natural cask strength without chill filtration or artificial coloring.
Limited Edition: Part of Bruichladdich's prestigious Octomore series, released in strictly limited quantities.

Perfect For

Peat enthusiasts seeking the ultimate expression of smoky Islay malt.
Collectors of rare and limited-edition single malts.
Experienced whisky drinkers looking to explore the boundaries of flavor intensity.
Special occasions that call for an exceptional and memorable dram.

Expert Notes

"Octomore 15.2 continues the series' tradition of challenging preconceptions, demonstrating that even at extreme peat levels, balance and complexity can create a remarkably sophisticated whisky experience."

Serving Suggestions

Neat: Best enjoyed in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate and appreciate its complex aromas.
With Water: A few drops of water can open up additional layers of fruit and sweetness behind the smoke.
Time: Benefits from time in the glass to fully develop its complete aromatic profile.
Food Pairing: Pairs exceptionally with strong blue cheeses, dark chocolate, or smoked seafood.

Interesting Facts

Octomore is named after the farm that supplies some of the barley used by Bruichladdich Distillery.
The series began as an experiment to challenge conventional wisdom about peat levels in whisky.
Despite its extreme peat level, Octomore is known for being surprisingly balanced and complex rather than one-dimensional.

Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery – An innovative Islay distillery revived in 2001 after being closed since 1994.
Philosophy: Focuses on terroir, transparency, and experimental approaches to whisky making.
Production: Uses traditional equipment and methods while embracing innovation in cask selection and peat levels.
Notable Characteristic: Produces a diverse range of whiskies from unpeated (Bruichladdich) to heavily peated (Port Charlotte) to ultra-peated (Octomore).