Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the extraordinary Bruichladdich Octomore 10 Year Old Single Malt, a masterfully crafted whisky that defies conventional wisdom. This heavily peated Islay gem begins with 100% Scottish-grown Optic barley. It matures through a unique dual aging process—five years in first-fill American oak casks and another five in Spanish Ribera del Duero wine barriques from northern Spain. The result is a viscous, complex spirit (56.3% ABV) that balances intense smoke with surprising elegance. On the nose, expect warm, nutty smoke with Seville oranges, roasted hazelnuts, and gentle wisps of peat complemented by vanilla notes. The palate delivers a muscular texture with golden syrup, black cherries, and toasted French oak spices, culminating in a dark, deep smoky finish with notes of boot polish, charred heather, and rich toasted nutty character that invites exploration.
Process & Profile
Bruichladdich Octomore 10 Year Old is a testament to meticulous production and bold innovation. The journey begins with Scottish Optic barley, malted to an astonishingly high phenol content for a signature super-heavily peated profile.- Aged for a decade, the whisky's maturation story is split: the first five years in first-fill ex-American oak casks, imparting sweetness and vanilla, followed by five years in Spanish Ribera del Duero wine barriques, which contribute structure, depth, and a subtle tannic dryness from the high-altitude European oak.
- Distilled in 2010 from the 2009 harvest, every stage is designed to deliver intensity and complexity yet surprising elegance—an "Impossible Equation" that defies whisky convention.
Tasting Notes
Experience a symphony of aromas and flavors with Octomore 10 Year Old:- Nose: Opens with Seville oranges and roasted hazelnuts, gently enveloped by wisps of peat smoke and toasted oak. Tart lemon, pear drops, and a nutty, malty base evolve as vanilla and earthy peat emerge.
- Palate: Muscular and warming, the palate unfolds with golden syrup, lemon drizzle, heather honey, succulent black cherries, and toasted oak spice. Notes of roasted coffee and salted caramel add a sweet-savory interplay, all lifted by persistent fruity and smoky top notes.
- Finish: Long, dark, and smoky, with boot polish, charred heather, and toasted nuts. The finish is deeply satisfying, weaving oak richness and a touch of tannic dryness for outstanding complexity and lingering warmth.
What Makes It Special
- Super-Heavily Peated: Octomore is renowned for its extreme peat levels, but the 10-year-old tempers smoke with unusual finesse.
- Dual Cask Maturation: Five years in each cask type—first-fill American oak and rich Spanish wine barriques—result in a stunning interplay of sweetness, fruit, oak, and smoke.
- Barley Provenance: Only 100% Scottish-grown Optic barley is used, affirming Bruichladdich's commitment to terroir and quality.
- Limited Release: Each edition is highly sought after and celebrated for pushing the boundaries of flavor and structure in peated whisky.
How to Enjoy
To truly appreciate Bruichladdich Octomore 10 Year Old:- Neat: Pour into a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the bold aromas and flavors. Allow it to breathe, unveiling more complexity with every minute.
- With Water: A few drops can reveal additional layers, revealing citrus, floral, and spicy undertones.
- Pairing: It is excellent alongside strong cheeses, charcuterie, or smoked meats. Its robust character also stands up well to dark chocolate or decadent desserts.
- Savor Slowly: This whisky rewards patient sipping—let each note linger to appreciate the precise balance of smoke, sweetness, and structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Octomore 10 Year Old special?
Octomore 10 Year Old is a heavily peated single malt that defies traditional whisky wisdom. It's the fifth ten-year release from Bruichladdich, featuring a unique maturation process in which the spirit spends its first five years in first-fill ex-American oak casks and the final five years in Spanish Ribera del Duero wine casks. This combination creates a remarkably balanced whisky with intense smoke and elegant complexity.
What type of barley is used in Octomore 10 Year Old?
Octomore 10 Year Old is made from 100% Scottish-grown Optic barley, which is heavily peated to create a distinctive character.
How is Octomore 10 Year Old matured?
It undergoes a two-stage maturation process: five years in first-fill American oak casks and five years in Spanish Ribera del Duero wine casks from a bodega in northern Spain. The wine casks contribute to the whisky's viscous texture, sweetness, and structured profile. ## Flavor Profile
What does Octomore 10 Year Old taste like?
The palate is muscular and lean with warming heat, complemented by oak depth and brooding smoke. You'll experience golden syrup, lemon drizzle, heather honey, and black cherries alongside toasted French oak spices and tannins. Roasted coffee and salted caramel add sweet and savory dimensions, while fruity cherry and blackcurrant notes beautifully counterbalance the oak and smoke.
What aromas can I expect from Octomore 10 Year Old?
You'll discover Seville oranges, roasted hazelnuts on the nose, and gentle peat smoke wisping around toasted oak. There are also tart lemon and pear drop notes, a nutty, malty base, and bourbon-soaked oak vanilla that rises to dominate earthy peat smoke.
How would you describe the finish?
The finish is dark with deep smoky notes of boot polish and charred heather. With its rich toasted nutty character, the oak marries wonderfully with the smoke and adds a depth that rewards exploration. ## Technical Details
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume) of Octomore 10 Year Old?
The Octomore 10 Year Old (2021 5th edition) is bottled at 56.3% ABV, though specific releases may vary slightly.
How limited is this whisky?
The 2021 release (5th edition) was limited to 3,500 bottles worldwide, making it a relatively rare and sought-after expression.
What does PPM mean, and what is the PPM level of Octomore 10 Year Old?
PPM stands for Parts Per Million of phenol, which measures the peat level in the whisky. The Octomore 10 Year Old was originally malted to 90.3 PPM, classifying it as "super heavily peated" compared to standard Islay whiskies. ## Purchasing and Consumption
How should I serve Octomore 10 Year Old?
Octomore can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its full complexity. Some enthusiasts may add a few drops of water to open up additional flavors. Due to its high strength, a standard serving is 25ml.
What foods pair well with Octomore 10 Year Old?
The rich, smoky character pairs excellently with winter savory foods like dark chocolate, blue cheese, grilled meats, or smoked seafood. The influence of the wine cask also makes it a good match for charcuterie.
How does this compare to other Octomore releases?
While all Octomore releases are heavily peated, the 10 Year Old expressions are typically more balanced and refined due to their extended maturation. Some experts consider this particular release to be among the best 10-Year-Old expressions in the Octomore range
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