Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 15.2 Single Malt Scotch

Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 15.2 presents a unique take on the world’s most peated whisky, peated to 108.2 PPM and distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto barley. This bold 5-year-old single malt has been matured in a complex combination of second fill wine casks, second fill bourbon barrels, and finished in first-fill French Cognac casks. The trifecta of wood influences results in a layered, elegant, and deeply complex whisky. While still delivering Octomore’s signature smoky punch, the 15.2 expression brings additional nuance and smoothness to the palate.

Tasting Notes:

• Color: Hebridean Sand
• Nose: Sweet citrus notes of lime zest and lemon meringue pie open on the nose, followed by toasted oak and earthy smoke. Tropical fruit and woody spices bring vibrancy, while smoked honey, toasted bread, and roasted coffee deepen the complexity.
• Palate: Viscous and rich, the palate unveils flavors of vanilla custard, caramel, and toffee, balanced by a crack of black pepper. Charred oak, cinnamon, nutmeg, and dried apricot add layers of complexity, with pear drops cutting through the smoke.
• Finish: The finish delivers unmistakable maritime qualities, with salt spray lingering on the palate while peat embers slowly fade into a balanced, smoky conclusion.

Key Features:

• Barley Provenance: 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto Barley
• Malting: Super heavily peated to 108.2 PPM
• Maturation: Aged in a combination of second fill wine casks, second fill bourbon casks, and finished in first-fill Cognac casks.
• Strength: Bottled at 57.9% ABV, providing a bold and balanced drinking experience.
• Distillation: Distilled in 2018 from the 2017 barley harvest.

Octomore 15.2 is an excellent comparison to its 15.1 counterpart, offering the same peated intensity but with the added sophistication from its unique cask maturation profile. With layers of toasted oak, caramel, and spices, this expression strikes an elegant balance between sweetness, smoke, and complexity.

FAQ Section

1. What makes Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2 unique?
Octomore 15.2 is a heavily peated whisky at 108.2 PPM, but what sets it apart is its complex cask maturation. It is aged in second fill wine casks and bourbon barrels, with a finish in first-fill Cognac casks. This combination creates layers of sweetness, spice, and peat that are both intriguing and refined.

2. How should I enjoy Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2?
This whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to fully experience its complexity. The high ABV and heavy peat benefit from a little water to soften the intensity and allow the underlying flavors to shine.

3. What are the tasting notes for Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2?
Expect citrus notes of lime zest and lemon meringue pie on the nose, followed by toasted oak and earthy smoke. On the palate, rich flavors of vanilla custard, caramel, and black pepper are balanced by charred oak, cinnamon, and dried fruit. The finish offers maritime qualities, with salt spray and lingering peat embers.

4. What is the phenol level (PPM) of Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2?
The phenol level of Octomore 15.2 is 108.2 parts per million (PPM), giving it its characteristic smoky intensity while allowing for complex flavors to develop.

5. How does Octomore 15.2 compare to 15.1?
Both expressions are distilled from the same batch of barley and share the same PPM level. However, the maturation in Cognac casks gives 15.2 added layers of fruit, spice, and maritime character compared to the 15.1’s more traditional bourbon cask profile.