Bruichladdich Octomore Scot Barley 14.1

Distillery Background and History

Bruichladdich was founded in 1881 on the Rhinns of Islay, Scotland, and revitalized in 2000 with a focus on terroir, transparency, and innovation. Octomore represents the distillery’s commitment to pushing boundaries: it is recognized as the most heavily peated single malt in the world, celebrating Islay’s barley and bold peat character. 

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Building on the legacy of Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich continues to embrace raw ingredient expression, minimal intervention, and full transparency. The Octomore series epitomizes this ethos, showcasing barley, peat, and cask interaction with bold intensity. 

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made exclusively from 100% Scottish-grown Concerto barley (mainland Scotland), malted to an extreme peat level of 128.9 ppm. Local Islay water and natural fermentation complete the ingredient profile. 

Distillation Process

Trickle-distilled in traditional tall, narrow-necked copper pot stills on Islay, with no added color and without chill-filtration to preserve full flavor integrity. 

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for five years entirely in first-fill ex–American whiskey (bourbon) casks. This maturation cask choice amplifies the bold barley and smoky character while adding vanilla and wood influence. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Peat-drenched smoke with subtle vanilla, honeyed raisin, light florals, and a wisp of sweetness. 

Palate: Powerful and smoky, layered with roasted tropical fruit, charred malt, citrus (lemon rind, orange), nutmeg, espresso, toffee, sea spray, coconut flakes, and balanced peat. 

Finish: Long and smoky, with lingering bonfire embers, burnt oak, black pepper, and a refined saline edge. 

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with grilled seafood like oysters or scallops, smoked meats, aged hard cheeses, or dark chocolate to complement and counterbalance the intense peat and oak complexity.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Best served neat or with a drop of water in a Glencairn glass at around 18–20 °C to unlock its complex layers and allow its powerful character to shine through.

Storage and Aging Potential

Stable for long-term cellaring if stored upright in a cool, dark, and vibration-free environment. While further bottle aging may integrate flavors subtly, much of the whisky’s complexity is derived from its five-year cask maturation.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky, 100% malted Scottish Concerto barley.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

59.6% ABV