Bruichladdich Octomore 15.3 Edition Super Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is an intense expression from Islay, Scotland, using 100% locally grown Concerto barley from Octomore Farm. Distilled in 2018 from the 2017 harvest and aged for 5 years, this whisky was matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and Oloroso hogsheads from Spain, imparting layers of complexity to the spirit. With an astonishing 307.2 parts per million (PPM) of phenols, this bottling stands as one of the distillery’s most robust peated releases.
The nose opens with smoked cinder toffee and honeyed malt, balanced by fresh citrus and dried fruits, while the peat smoke mingles with cloves, toasted nuts, and coconut. The palate is smooth yet powerful, with butterscotch and creamy vanilla melding with sweet orange zest, toasted oak, and barley sugar, all underlined by a persistent wave of dry peat smoke. The finish is long and memorable, lingering with burnt sugar, coconut, sea spray, and earthy peat smoke that beckons for another sip.
With its high strength of 61.3% ABV, Octomore 15.3 delivers a rich and bold drinking experience. Best enjoyed neat for the full impact of its smoky complexity, it can also be savored with a drop of water to unlock additional layers of sweetness and depth.