Peat lovers, prepare to savour the sublime—the long-awaited Octomore 15 Series has made its way to Australian shores, and it’s here earlier than ever. This November 13th, The Oak Barrel was hosting a night dedicated to Bruichladdich’s most daring creation, Octomore, celebrating both its storied past and the explosive debut of its latest chapter.
Over sixteen years ago, Bruichladdich embarked on a journey that would forever redefine the boundaries of peated whisky with Octomore 1.1. At 131 PPM, it shattered conventions, inviting whisky lovers to explore a bold, untamed side of Islay. Bottled young at a fierce cask strength and aged only five years in ex-Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels, the release emphasized the purity and force of peat as never before. Since then, each Octomore series has continued to challenge expectations, breaking its own records with peat levels that verge on the extreme—culminating with the infamous 8.3, whose 309 PPM stands as a staggering testament to Bruichladdich’s unyielding spirit.
Guiding guests through this extraordinary series was Bruichladdich’s own ambassador, Josh Varna, whose depth of knowledge and passion for Octomore are rivaled only by the intensity of the whisky itself. With his idiosyncratic swagger, Josh took us beyond the casks, delving into the artistry behind each batch, the subtle nuances of each expression, and the philosophy that drives Octomore’s evolution.
As a prelude to the evening’s journey through peat, we were treated to a tasting of the elusive Bruichladdich Black Art 11. Mysterious and enchanting, it offered an intricate, unexpected contrast to Octomore’s powerful profiles. It set the stage for what was an immersive evening, blending Bruichladdich’s commitment to craft, storytelling, and unbridled innovation.
Now, the realm of whisky, Octomore has always been a bit of a rogue scholar. It took the whisky rulebook, scribbled on it in peat, and then set it alight—metaphorically, of course. With Series Fifteen, Bruichladdich continues this rebellion, delivering three expressions that play with the boundaries of peat, provenance, and pure ambition.
Each bottle in this trilogy—15.1, 15.2, and the smoky monolith 15.3—is like a chapter in an eccentric novel of flavor, telling tales that beg for a fireside armchair, a wool blanket, and perhaps a touch of dram-induced introspection.
15.1: The Control
Let’s begin with 15.1, the anchor of the series, a whisky that grounds its wild siblings with a sense of "peat and repeat" reliability. Dubbed "The Control," this bottle sets the baseline, showcasing the beauty of balance in the face of a supernova of smoke.
At 108.2 PPM (phenols per million), the peat is undeniably present—think of it as a smoky seduction, a dance of earthy sweetness and maritime sharpness. Aged for five years in a blend of first-fill bourbon barrels and re-charred ex-bourbon casks, 15.1 is like a philosopher in a leather jacket, combining sophisticated wisdom with a raw edge.
The nose unfurls with caramel and citrus—a wisp of charred oak intertwining like a mischievous lover. Imagine sipping on custard by a seaside bonfire, where the aroma of kelp mingles with vanilla and honey.
There’s a touch of aniseed for spice, a flicker of geranium for floral intrigue, and the signature Octomore peat wrapping it all in a smoky embrace. On the palate, vanilla custard and apricot jam waltz with earthy peat smoke, while tropical hints of mango and banana offer a brief respite from the elemental force.
As you finish, the peat and oak linger—like the memory of a beautiful, smoky sunset—leaving a crisp marine bite. With 15.1, Octomore captures that rare balance of complexity and clarity. It’s a whisky that reveals itself layer by layer, almost reluctantly, like an old friend telling tales from a storied past.
15.2: The Cask Expression
If 15.1 is the philosopher, then 15.2 is the artist—bold, layered, and a touch dramatic. Bruichladdich has taken the same batch of Scottish barley and a robust peat level of 108.2 PPM but given it a twist: a maturation in second-fill wine casks, second-fill bourbon barrels, and a final flourish in first-fill Cognac casks. The result is whisky that plays with your palate like a painter with a palette of fire and sweetness.
The nose greets you like a wisp of Hebridean sand, teasing with toasted oak, honey, and a wave of tropical fruit—a faint nod to pineapple and strawberries, all swirled with the gentlest kiss of brine.
Imagine an afternoon tea where lemon meringue pie meets a campfire, each aroma laced with the memory of smoked honey and toasted bread.
On the tongue, 15.2 is a rich, velvety affair. Buttered crumpets mingle with lemon, dark chocolate, and a snap of black pepper. The Cognac cask influence whispers with a hint of nutmeg and caramel, adding a depth that almost feels too elegant for something so heavily peated.
The finish? Imagine a salty sea breeze mingling with the scent of charred oak and peat embers. It’s a farewell that feels like it might come back for one last encore.
15.2 is a whisky with flair—a paradox of refinement and rebellion. It seduces with softness, only to reveal a heart forged in smoke and oak. If 15.1 is a novel, then 15.2 is poetry in a glass, a whisky that leaves you pondering long after the last sip.
15.3: The Islay Heavyweight
And now, for the final act, 15.3—the behemoth, the heavyweight, the bonfire that refuses to burn out and the one we could not wait to sample. Peated to a mind-boggling 307.2 PPM, 15.3 is like a primal force of nature, a whisky born from the earth of Islay itself.
Made from 100% Islay barley grown just two miles from the distillery at Octomore Farm, it’s as close as you’ll get to tasting the island itself without donning a kilt and braving the Scottish winds.
The nose is a riddle wrapped in smoke: smoked cinder toffee, honeyed malt, a hint of burnt sugar—all intermingling with the briny kiss of crushed seashells.
There’s a whisper of coconut, a hint of cloves, and a touch of fresh citrus—a heady mix that feels both primal and refined.
On the palate, 15.3 is expectingly unapologetic. Butterscotch, vanilla, and dried fruit lead the charge, softened only by the round, viscous texture that Bruichladdich seems to have bottled straight from the sea.
Imagine waves crashing against jagged rocks, the air thick with the scent of peat smoke and burnt sugar. The finish is a tidal wave of flavor, with coconut, sea spray, and that lingering, earthy smoke that feels like a signature at the end of a bold letter.
With 15.3, Bruichladdich has crafted a whisky that transcends taste; it’s an experience, a communion with Islay itself. Each sip is a celebration of terroir, a reminder that whisky, at its finest, is an art form born from earth, fire, and time.
Octomore Series Fifteen: The Impossible Equation
Summa summarum, to drink Octomore is to step into a world where rules are optional, where flavour is the language, and smoke is the accent. Not unlike it was the case with previous instalments, Series Fifteen is a well-calibrated story, told in three acts, of peat and provenance, oak and ambition.
15.1 is the philosopher, 15.2 the artist, and 15.3 the elemental. Together, they form what has become Octomore's trademark, i.e. an “impossible equation” of intensity and elegance—a balance that shouldn’t exist, but does, bottled up in Octomore’s smoky mystique.
If you're ready to break free from the mundane and dive headfirst into the extraordinary, then lace up your boots and make a mad dash—because the latest release of Octomore on the great southern land is more limited than a rare eclipse, and it won’t be around for long. If you're lucky enough to snag a bottle, consider yourself anointed.
Pour a dram, take a deep breath, and let Octomore take you on a journey where the very concept of whisky is redefined. With every sip, you'll discover just how far the boundaries of peat, power, and passion can stretch. This isn’t just whisky—it's an adventure in a glass, so buckle up, because Octomore is about to push your taste buds to places you never thought possible.
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Words by AW.,
Photos courtesy of Bruichladdich.