Should You Buy The Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2?
If you’re a peathead and need your fix of massive flavors with not overly dominant cask influences, this is certainly a bottle that you should think about putting on your shelf. Octomore has always had a reputation for being the biggest, the baddest, and the boldest.
As a whisky goes, it’s almost as if it should be clad in a leather jacket whilst riding a motorbike at over 100mph. They even come in those wonderfully matte black bottles, too. However, this is an Octomore with a few unusual sides to it.
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Aged in second-fill casks at the start of its life and finished in first-fill Cognac casks. Not the most typical approach to Octomore cask influences, but it’s nice to have something a little different from time to time. Certainly not the most cask-lead release they’ve done, but has piqued a lot of drinkers’ interest.
Are There Any Comparable Bottles Out There?
This is where it gets tricky. Octomore fans often focus on the PPM (phenol parts per million) count on the bottle, but it’s worth remembering that these numbers reflect the barley’s peat levels before distillation—and the post-distillation PPM can be much lower.
If you look at a brand like Torabhaig, you’re getting a pre and post-distillation PPM count on the bottle, this should be something Bruichladdich could easily do.
If you’re open to exploring alternatives, several other peated whiskies offer comparable intensity. Single cask releases from Kilchoman, Laphroaig, and even some smokier expressions from Benromach often deliver a similarly bold experience. Octomore’s charm lies in its playful experimentation, but don’t let the numbers alone dictate your choice—focus on the flavor.
Final Thoughts On Bruichladdich Octomore 15.2?
While not the strongest Octomore release in recent years, the 15.2 offers a deliberately different take on the series. Its unique cask influence showcases Bruichladdich’s commitment to innovation and exploration. If you’re looking for something off the beaten track, this bottle might just be what you’re after.