Bruichladdich Edition 17.2 Octomore Single Malt Whiskey 700ml

Octomore is Bruichladdich's annual experimental series, built on heavily peated barley, young age statements, and bottling at or near cask strength rather than a fixed house style. Each release explores a different idea, and the 17 Series, branded Chromatic Signatures, continues that spirit. Edition 17.2 turns its attention to the influence of wine and fortified wine casks.

This five-year-old single malt was distilled in 2020 from the 2019 harvest of 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley, malted to 81.0 PPM. It spent four years in second-fill French oak that previously held Californian red wine and then bourbon, followed by a finish in first-fill Port barriques. Octomore spirit had never been matured in this combination of casks before. The whisky was matured entirely on Islay, is non-chill filtered, has no added color, and is bottled at 59.5% ABV.

Deep amber in the glass, the nose opens with ripe red fruits, raspberry and blackcurrant preserve, and floral Turkish Delight, with toasted oak, clove, and aniseed. The smoke is dry and wood-fired, like smouldering embers. The palate is supple and viscous, with wine-poached berries, cassis, peppery peat, and bright lemon and lime. A long finish carries raisins, toasted oak, and maritime salt.