Octomore is made by Bruichladdich Distillery, which is located on the southwestern tip of the remote Hebridean island of Islay. This distillery is known for producing four unique spirits, including Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, and of course, Octomore single malt whiskies.
I have had the pleasure of visiting Bruichladdich Distillery and experiencing firsthand the passion and craftsmanship that goes into the production of Octomore. It is truly a remarkable distillery that prides itself on pushing the boundaries of what whisky can be.
When it comes to Octomore, it is important to note that it is not your typical single malt whisky. It is often referred to as the “world's most heavily peated whisky,” and for good reason. Octomore is known for its incredibly high peat levels, which result in a bold and smoky flavor profile that is unlike anything else on the market.
The process of making Octomore begins with the barley. Bruichladdich sources its barley locally from Islay, ensuring that only the finest quality grains are used. The barley is then malted and peated, with Octomore typically having peat levels that exceed 100 parts per million (ppm). This is significantly higher than the peat levels found in most other whiskies, which usually range from 5 to 50 ppm.
Once the barley has been malted and peated, it is milled and mashed to extract the sugars needed for fermentation. Bruichladdich takes great care in this process, using traditional methods to ensure the highest quality spirit is produced. The mash is then fermented using specially selected yeast strains, resulting in a rich and flavorful wash.
The wash is then distilled in Bruichladdich's iconic copper pot stills. These stills are a vital part of the distillation process, as they help to concentrate and refine the flavors of Octomore. The distillation process is carried out by skilled distillers who closely monitor the spirit as it passes through the stills, making careful cuts to ensure only the best and most flavorful portions are collected.
Once distilled, Octomore is aged in a variety of cask types, including bourbon barrels, wine casks, and even virgin oak. This allows the whisky to develop complex flavors and aromas over time, adding layers of depth to the already intense and peaty character of Octomore.
The final result is a whisky that is truly unique. Octomore is known for its deep, smoky flavors, with notes of peat, ash, and charred oak. It is a whisky that demands attention and rewards those who appreciate its bold and powerful nature.
Octomore is made by Bruichladdich Distillery, a distillery located on the remote island of Islay. With its incredibly high peat levels and unique production methods, Octomore stands out as one of the most distinctive and sought-after whiskies in the world.