Octomore Core Range Masterclass: Bruichladdich's Super Heavily Peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky

I love the Bruichladdich Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery from Islay, Scotland and while they are traditionally known for their unpeated whisky I have a particular love of their super heavily peated whisky named Octomore. Bruichladdich Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the most heavily peated line of whisky ever made. While Octomore started as one type of whisky over the years it is grown into a full lineup of series and editions. To help male sense of these I put together this Masterclass on the covering some of the history of the Bruichladdich Octomore whisky, how it's made and what each of the core range of .1, .2, .3, .4 and 10 year old editions brings to the table.
In presenting each version of Octomore I also provide some quick tasting notes as well and then rank the 5 Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies i present from 5th to 1st. Those whiskies are the Bruichladdich:
Octomore 9.1 (Scottish Barley)
Octomore 12.2 (Sauternes Cask)
Octomore 10.3 (Islay Barley)
Octomore 13.4 (Virgin Oak)
Octomore 10 Year Old, 3rd Edition
Watch the video to find out which of these 5 Bruichladdich Octomore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies was my favourite and to learn all about the Octomore Whisky lineup. Thanks once again for checking out the video, can't wait to talk to you all in the comment section. Sláinte, Matt.
#Scotch2023 #whisky2023 #scotch #singlemalt #whisky #whiskey #bruichladdich #octomore #portcharlotte #scotchwhisky #singlemaltscotchwhisky #islay
Patreon Page: / whiskyonthewestcoast
📧 Business Contact : [e-mail]
Find me on Instagram: whiskyonthe...
🎶 The Beat of Nature by Olexy pixabay.com/music/id-122841/

[@pienasu]

I've been to Islay this year and visited Bruichladdich. I always wanted to try an octomore. So I bought a bottle of the 13.4. I love it. I try to keep this one for special occasions, but it's difficullt. I love it so much. The peat does not hit so hard as in some other whiskys that have much lower ppm counts. It is so smooth and rich in flavour. I regret I bought only one bottle. Should have bought two, and keep the other safe for a later date. Yes they are expensive but I think they are worth it. When my bottle gets empty I surely will invest in another one. Perhaps try a .2 or .3

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Glad you had a great visit to Bruichladdich the summer Pierre! almost wonder if you visited around the same time as me(end of June). Octomore really is a special whisky and it is certainly a disservice to simply equate it to high PPM readings. As you point out it is quite rich and the peat doesn't necessarily hit as hard as some others. Expensive no doubt but I am with you, if I didn't have a backup bottle of Octomore I'd still go out and get one. Glad you love the 13.4. Cheers 🥃

[@fiddo6258]

Superb video! Love the Octomore range. Keep up the fantastic reviews. Yes we need a review of the 13 and 14 s

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Fiddo! Glad you love Octomore too! I tried the 13's but hope to get my hands on the 14's in the near future here. Cheers 🥃

[@Alex-qo2nk]

Wasn't expecting such a great review from a smaller channel. Fantastic content thank you. Keep doing what your doing bro

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks for checking out the video Alex! I'll try to keep it up. As you can tell I'm a bit of an Octomore fan 😄 Any ideas for other videos just throw them my direction. Cheers eh! 🥃

[@garyk3675]

Great review - thanks

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Gary, always appreciate it! Cheers 🥃

[@patrickbeine]

I used to have the Octomore Orpheus 2.2 and it was amazing! I wish I had bought another one later but now it is $3,000 a bottle last I checked. Just got a 14.3 and I am looking forward to that, even though I will not open it for a while.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

What a great bottle to have had back in the early days of Octomore. An extra one of those in the stash would be nice with that auction price of $3,000! Wow. Glad you've got a bottle of the 14.3 as I typically love these Islay Barley expressions. I will be trying that 14.3 myself later this week so I'm equally excited to give it a whirl. Cheers Patrick 🥃

[@HawkerPaul]

Great video Matt. Tons of really interesting info. Well done indeed. The only Octomore I've had is the 13.1. Still got half a bottle left which I keep for special occasions as it's still the most expensive single bottle of whisky I've ever purchased at £135. Very nice tho. Will be getting the 14.2 soon, purchasing through a whisky club I'm in so looking forward to trying that one.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Paul! When I tried the 13's I found that the 13.1 was the best for my palate of that series. Certainly special occasion bottles at the price! I've heard some saying that they like the 14.2 the best of the 14's too so hopefully you've got a great addition to your Octomore stash! Cheers Paul 🥃

[@dant4252]

Such a great video Matt 👌 I met James Brown at the petrol pump on my first day in Islay which was pretty cool. Completely agree about the food at the Port Charlotte Hotel. I’m on a self-imposed bottle ban but I haven’t got any Octomore in my collection, and now I’m tempted… 😂

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Dan! That's a really cool run in at the petrol station!(The one in Bowmore? That's the one we used). Sorry to be the devil on your shoulder saying "buy Octomore" but if you did buy one, would it be a .3 because it has the James Brown connection? Good luck with the bottle ban, those always end poorly for me 😂 Cheers Dan 🥃

[@dant4252]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast It was at the petrol pumps in Port Charlotte (the post office/shop). Either the .3, or the .2 - I love wine casks. MoM have the 14.2 for £154 😅

[@jdcphoto]

I was not going to buy the Octomore. because of the $$$$ Then I was given a tasting of the 14.1 I absolutely loved it! Picked up the bottle right then.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

It has that effect on people! Honestly, nothing else quite like it on the market. Some come close but it's not exactly the same. Glad you are loving the 14.1 you picked up. Cheers eh 🥃

[@pizzawarlord9232]

Just had the 13.1 and it was fantastic

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Glad you enjoyed it too! I felt that the 13.1 was the best of the 13's! Cheers Warlord 🥃

[@benzabenza2743]

I love octomore whisky. The taste is never disapointing. To bad its pricey here in sweden and hard to Come by. Great video. Cheers from sweden.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Benza! It is certainly lovely stuff, but the price and availability can definitely be a bummer. Cheers 🥃

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Great video😮

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Hey thanks Jimmy Jazz! Cheers 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Amazing, amazing video Matt, thank you for doing all that research and sharing the information! You're my go to channel for history and facts along with Erik Wait Whisky Studies. I think every whisky enthusiast should try an Octomore or two and I know people who are absolute Octomore lovers like yourself. For me, it is a sample or a try at a bar whisky. I never could and probably never will justify paying that amount for a whisky and if I'm being honest I was never blown away by any of them including the last years Sauternes 😬 (please don't block me) Brilliant video though, cheers my friend!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video. To be mentioned in the same sentence as Erik's channel is a big compliment so that's really kind of you to say. And I'd never block you buddy! It would be so damn boring if we all just loved the same stuff. However, I think we could find some common ground in that Ledaig 9 year Bourdeaux! The prices now are too much for me I'd suggest, as evidenced by the fact I didn't buy a 13 last year. Aside from one bottle, my most expensive Octomore was the equivalent to $130 USD. I really hope people aren't paying $300-$400. That is just too much. At that point definitely just try it in a bar. Cheers my man 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

Good job . Bruichlladich my favorite ))) Slainte !

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks! Glad you love Bruichladdich as much as I do! Cheers 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast : )

[@JoelKorytko]

I just did a comparison of the Octomore 10 (2008) vs. PC 10 with a good friend. Within one nose and one taste we both agreed that the Octomore mopped the floor with the PC. It was crazy. Further tasting verified that. It is a force to be reckoned with.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Octomore is a force of nature! haha. Very cool comparison to do. The best part is that you are sharing these whiskies with people, greatest thing about whisky is the sharing. Cheers buddy 🥃

[@JoelKorytko]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast definitely the best part

[@hanqb10]

Great video! Love the format of walking through their “core range” if it can be called that. I’ve been really impressed by the SC:01 and the Kilchoman Sauternes Cask, so sounds like I need to find the 12.2!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Chris! That SC:01 was absolutely killer. I'll keep my eyes open for the Kilchoman Sauternes as I haven't had that one yet but it seems like we are on the same page with peat and Sauternes just being a great fit. Cheers 🥃

[@hanqb10]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Definitely. It’s a nice change from all the heavily sherried options out there. Rich and sweet but in a different direction.

[@David-xl8zf]

If you ever had Port Charlotte, you know what he guys and girls at Bruichladdich are after. FYI the guy behind the scenes at Bruichladdich is the same guy that's behind Waterford. 👍

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Port Charlotte is fantastic stuff David! I love the Port Charlotte Islay Barley, the 10 and a number of the Cask Exploration series, including that SC:01! Hoping to get my hands on the PMC:01 shortly! And yeah Mark Reynier, the man behind the terroir. He is no longer with Bruichladdich but his influence is definitely very much felt. Hoping Waterford continues to develop well! Cheers David 🥃

[@justwhisky]

Very very very thorough 😳run through! 10.2(8yr?) my favorite so far. But as you say …the PC wine finish range offers similar experience for much less $$$. But even the new PC wine range are $150 my area and sell out quickly. Cheers 🥃

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks John! Trying to cover it all was more than a bit ambitious of me haha. The 10.2 sounds a lot like a more mature 12.2 with the Sauternes cask type in common. Sounds like a belter. Better value to be found in the PC Exploration series for sure but still not cheap. Dreading what the price will be on the Port Charlotte 18 year coming next year. Cheers John 🥃

[@justwhisky]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast didn’t know about PC 18… skies the limit price wise these days…

[@revolvermaster4939]

I’ve wanted to try some, but they can keep them at their current price range.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

The prices are a bit ridiculous on the Octomores these days. I've passed on the 13's and 14's so far. Waiting for a really good sale lol. Cheers eh 🥃

[@petevj]

Nice run through and very good explanation. The phenol parts per million in Octomore is calculated in the barley and not the new make. They do not disclose which phenols nor the method of measurement which means that the phenol ppm is only useful in comparing peated Bruichladdichs to each other assuming the same method of measurement is used. This is important because different phenols give different "smoky" or "peaty" characteristics. As you said the reflux and cuts become crucial depending upon the volatility of the phenols that you want to dominate your spirit. Maybe one day I will put some Octomore through HPLC and get the real composition. But then where would the magic be? 😂

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Great point Pete! I would fully support moving to the PPM's being calculated on the residual phenols rather than grain as that's where it really matters! I don't know how hard it would be to do though. It would be super cool if you ran that HPLC experiment to see what Octomore came out at! Also, you have casual access to the equipment and a chemistry background!? Very intriguing, I'd almost guess you have a masters in distilling at this point! Back on topic though, Torabhaig is one of the few I can recall posting barley phenols and residual phenols for their whisky. 55PPM on grain came out as 17PPM on the distillate. I feel like that approach gives us way more helpful information. Fascinating all around though, and I'm happy to know there's lots more to understand and discover on my side. Cheers Pete 🥃

[@petevj]

I’m no expert but I have one in the family so I get a lot of information thrown at me. Some of it sticks. I just like drinking the stuff really 😂

[@JoelKorytko]

διάλογος is Greek for "dialogue" not Latin! :) Amazing video! Loving my 10 year old Octomore. Thanks for introducing me to it/Octomore in general!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

I knew this comment was coming haha! As soon as I realized I said Latin I was like, oh no Joel is going know. We put in the correction in the video and very nearly wrote it as "Actually it's Greek, sorry Joel!" lol. Now I wish we would have cause that would have been too funny. Glad you're loving that Octomore 10 Year! Cheers 🥃

[@JoelKorytko]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Hahaha that is amazing. No worries. That would have been so funny!

[@AnthACD]

I am torn on the Octomore series. I want to get one after the experience of having open but never opening it and moving to FL that was the bottle that got damaged out of the 30 other scotches. The price tag of 200-390 (US) I have been seeing them go for. I Would like to experience it, but for the price of the Port Charlotte experiment series those are going for 140-180 (US) depends where I find them online. Some of those are like 80% of the Octomore. I know it is a personal preference. Even then for 200-300US, can get couple different scotches. I know for just the experience least have one. If I was to get one of the Octomores, I think .2s I would prefer. I like wine cask finishes. I am trying to narrow down what will be my special scotch to buy for Christmas time. Twice a year I get a nice bottle if possible if not then one. What is your take on the Octomore 10s? Do you know people's views on those? Thanks for this great video, I am going to have a tougher time now figuring out.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Oh man, I'm sorry that the Octomore was the bottle that didn't make it! It is getting really hard to justify the Octomore purchase as the price just seems to contnue to go up. And like you said, the cask exploration series is 3 quarters of the way to Octomore more or less. But it really is unique. In trying to answer your question, do you mean the 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4? Or do you mean Octomore 10 years? In regards to the 10 years my absolute favourite Octomore is the 10 year 3rd edition. It is amazing and I have heard others echoing that sentiment of it being their favourite Octomore. If you meant the 10's(.1,.2, ect) the 10.3 is good but not great. I remember having the 10.2 but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me. in comparison I remember what I thought about the 7.3, 9.1, 11.1, 11.3, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 so on. Sorry if this made it tougher. I do believe an Octomore .1 release is the most classic Octomore profile even if my favourites are the .3 Islay barley releases and the 10 year olds. Cheers 🥃

[@AnthACD]

@whiskyonthewestcoast yes I meant there Octomore 10 years. The one that is being offered is 4th year edition. Have you tried that one, I know you mentioned the 3rd edition is your favorite. Thank you for the reply back, much appreciated. Whatever information you given has been helpful even if I come up with more options, lol. Worst case I just hold off. I have stashes of scotches yet to open and recently just opened bottle of ardbeg Drum.

[@garyk3675]

I, like you, am a lover of this distillery - and enjoyed being there last month. I confess that I couldn't resist, and sort of "overpaid", for a Port Charlotte 18 yo private 1st fill single sherry cask by Jim McEwan - I picked that over the Octomore 14.3. Please keep reviewing this distillery (as well as the others). For me Springbank (in all of its forms) and Port Charlotte are always my first choices!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

So happy to hear you had a Good visit to Bruichladdich last month(Also, how was the trip overall?). 18 year old first fill Sherry Port Charlotte hand selected is worth overpaying for. I'd love to see more Bruichladdich in Oloroso Sherry Casks. My love of Bruichladdich and Springbank will always keep me reviewing their releases. Cheers Gary 🥃

[@garyk3675]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast the overall trip was great - brought back a Feis Isle from Caol Isla and a Canasta aged Bunnahabhain - beautiful ferry to Campbeltown - which was a bit disappointing this time because they haven’t figured out distribution and now is so restrictive - but i did get a cage hand poured CS 9yo Longrow and a Manachomore from Cadenhead - then had a great week in Ireland!

[@Teeds1026]

I want to see that SC01 vs 12.2 review

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

It feels like a really good comparison to do eh? I should probably do it Semi-blind as well, not know which one is which per se. Cheers 🥃

[@NOTYOU370]

Just stumbled across your videos, I'm really enjoying them. Respect from the west coast of Scotland. Keep up the good work. I have not had Octomore. I do have about 140 bottles of Scotch Whiskey ( unopened)

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Thanks Frank! Glad you stumbled by the channel! 140 is a ton of bottles! Hope you get to try Octomore someday soon! Where on the West Coast of Scotland are you? Cheers Frank 🥃

[@NOTYOU370]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast A wee place called Balloch right at the start of Loch Lomond. Cheers.

[@adamszymon660]

Hi, how you compare Octomore with PC cask exploration series? Its much more cheaper - is the Octomore so much better? Does the price justify Octomore as significant better? What’s your opinion?

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Hi Adam! Good question. It really depends on the release but alot of the Port Charlotte Exploration casks will get you 80-90% of the way to Octomore .2 levels of enjoyment as they are cask strength, in interesting cask finishes and with almost double the years of maturation some times. Further, in my experience, the PC Islay Barley is a great "poor man's Octomore .3" as it is older than most .3's and is 100% Islay barley, though not cask strength and much lighter in phenols. Still Octomore is a different beast, I see a place for both distillates. Does it justify the price? The only way to answer this would be through my own buying history. The last Octomore I purchased was 12.2 on sale for $200 CAD. That's essentially my limit on these releases. I skipped the Octomore 13's completely. In contrast I have bough the last 3 PC Cask Exploration releases and mutiple PC Islay Barley releases. But if I ran out of my supply of Octomore I would replace to have at least one on my bar. It might be a good one to try in a bar first to dertermine if a bottle is right for you. Easier said than done sadly. Hope this helped in some way Adam. Cheers 🥃

[@Hexagonal_Crank]

Definitely great releases, but these aren't lockdown times anymore. They've inched their way to over $300 and $400 bucks. I just don't think I'm on board these days.

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Yeah, the prices on these have gone off the deep end. I have refused to pay $300+ for any Octomore as of yet and I have enough reserve bottles(5 or so) from before the madness to keep me happy quite some time. These seem to hang on shelves long enough in Alberta now that if I need one it can be picked up for 20% off at LCBO West. Cheers Hex 🥃

[@garygomez4018]

Hi. Which should I go for? 13.1 or 14.1?

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Hey, sorry for the delay. I enjoyed both the 13.1 and the 14.1! Both gave that classic Octomore profile. However, I think it might be telling that I own a bottle of the 14.1 but I do not own the 13.1. Since I put my money where my mouth was with purchasing the 14.1 that is the one I'd recommend. Hope this helps! Cheers Gary 🥃

[@garygomez4018]

@@whiskyonthewestcoast Thank you for taking the time to reply. Appreciate it!

[@garygomez4018]

Oh! There is 11.1 and 12.1 at where I'm at too. Should I still stick with the 14.1?