Bruichladdich to release new Octomore

Bruichladdich will launch the seventh edition of Octomore in June, an expression that claims to be “the world’s most heavily peated whisky”.

Octomore 7.1 uses barley from mainland Scotland with a peat content of 208 parts per million. Once distilled, the spirit spends five years in American oak before being bottled at 59.5% abv.

Named after the Octomore farm on Islay, the expression is just one of several innovative styles devised by Bruichladdich’s head distiller Jim McEwan. He recently announced his plan to retire this July after 52 years in the Scotch whisky business and playing a major role in the resurrection of this distillery, which was subsequently bought by Rémy Cointreau in 2012.

Despite its hallmark peatiness, McEwan stressed Octomore’s complex array of flavours, from seaweed and leather to citrus and vanilla, as well as the single malt’s notable weight and depth.

“The secret is slow distillation,” he explained, noting that this gentle method allows for the delicate extraction of flavour while impurities drop back down the side of the still.

A limited edition expression, Octomore will available in June from certain specialist retailers and carries an RRP of £110 per bottle.