Octomore 15.2 - 5 yo - Release 2024

Volume: 0.7 litres | Alcohol content: 57.9% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

Octomore 15.2 shares the five-year maturation common to Series 15 while offering a distinctive cask profile. Distilled in 2018 from Scottish barley, the whisky initially matured in second-fill wine and bourbon casks before receiving a finish in first-fill Cognac casks. The Cognac casks are made from French oak; all maturation took place on Islay.

The malted barley used has a phenol content of 108.2 ppm. It comes from the same batch as the barley for Octomore 15.1, allowing the two editions to demonstrate how different cask combinations shape the same starting material. Alongside cask types, Series 15 explores barley provenance and different peat levels.

At 57.9%, the bottling remains powerful without allowing the peat smoke to overshadow the other impressions. Citrus fruit and creamy sweetness contrast with toasted oak, pepper and earthy, maritime smoke. The Cognac finish also brings out its delicate floral character; hints of nutmeg, soft oak and a mineral note complement the dry peat smoke on the palate.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: On the nose, sweet citrus notes of lemon, lime zest and lemon meringue tart meet toasted oak and earthy smoke.
• Palate: The whisky feels dense, viscous and smooth on the palate. Vanilla cream, caramel and toffee shape the creamy opening. Black pepper, charred oak and cinnamon then emerge, accompanied by a hint of nutmeg. At full strength, mango, apricot and grilled pineapple also appear. Soft oak, a mineral note and dry peat smoke complement the flavours.
• Finish: The long finish is distinctly maritime and salty, accompanied by earthy peat smoke. Citrus peel and gentle spice linger alongside persistent sea salt.

Distillery/Bottler:

Bruichladdich Distillery stands on Loch Indaal on Islay. The Harvey brothers founded it in 1881. Following its closure in 1994, it was revived in 2001 by Mark Reynier and Simon Coughlin together with experienced whisky maker Jim McEwan. Reynier and Coughlin brought experience from the wine world; barley provenance and the influence of where it is grown became important themes for the distillery.

Alongside its unpeated namesake whisky, Bruichladdich also produces Port Charlotte and Octomore. First released in 2008, the Octomore range explores the interplay between heavily peated barley, maturation and cask selection through annual editions. The distillery distils and bottles its single malts on Islay, and the whiskies also mature entirely on the island. Octomore 15.2 is an official distillery bottling, bottled without chill filtration or added colouring.

Facts: