Bruichladdich Octomore 17.3 – 5 Year Old Heavily Peated Islay Single Malt – 70cl
Octomore 17.3 is an exceptionally heavily peated Single Malt Scotch Whisky produced by Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay.
This five-year-old release is made exclusively from Concerto barley grown in Irene's Field at Octomore Farm, approximately two miles from the distillery.
Harvested in 2019 and distilled in 2020, the barley is malted to 132.1 PPM, making this the most heavily peated expression in Octomore Series 17.
The whisky is matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill European oak casks, including Ribera del Duero, Sauternes, Eiswein and Syrah.
The nose offers coastal peat smoke, malted barley, green apple, pear and vanilla.
On the palate, salted caramel, smoked apple, toasted coconut and praline combine with powerful, earthy peat.
Bottled at 60.9% ABV, Octomore 17.3 delivers an intense yet balanced expression of Islay's maritime character and distinctive barley provenance.
Description
Octomore 17.3: An Exceptionally Peated Islay Single Malt from a Single Farm and Field
An Exceptional Release from Bruichladdich
The Bruichladdich Octomore 17.3 is a five-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky produced on the Scottish island of Islay.
Part of the experimental Octomore Series 17, this expression focuses on the relationship between barley provenance, local terroir and exceptional peat intensity.
Unlike the 17.1 and 17.2 releases, which use Scottish mainland barley, Octomore 17.3 is produced exclusively from barley grown on Islay.
Single Farm, Single Field, Single Vintage
The whisky is made from 100% Concerto barley cultivated in Irene's Field at Octomore Farm, approximately two miles from Bruichladdich Distillery.
The barley was harvested in 2019 and distilled in 2020.
Malted to 132.1 parts per million, it represents the most heavily peated expression in the Octomore 17 collection.
Despite this remarkable phenolic level, the whisky retains a clear cereal character and an expressive maritime identity.
Five Years of Maturation in American and European Oak
Octomore 17.3 is matured for five years in a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill European oak casks.
The European oak component includes casks previously used for Ribera del Duero, Sauternes, Eiswein and Syrah wines.
This varied maturation contributes layers of fruit, vanilla and sweetness that complement the powerful peat smoke.
The result is a whisky combining cask complexity with a distinctive expression of Islay-grown barley.
Tasting Notes
The whisky displays a bright, sunlit gold colour.
The nose immediately reveals coastal peat smoke, with salty, tarry and medicinal impressions reminiscent of sea spray and smouldering wood.
Warm malted grain, brown sugar and fresh barley flour emerge beneath the smoke.
Green apple, pear, lemon peel, vanilla and marzipan add freshness and sweetness.
On the palate, the texture is full, rich and powerful.
Salted caramel, smoked apple, toasted coconut, praline and vanilla cream provide an inviting contrast to the intense peat.
Dry, earthy smoke gradually develops, accompanied by ash, citrus oils and mineral salinity.
The finish is exceptionally long, combining malty sweetness, subtle floral notes, vanilla and lingering maritime peat.
Serving Suggestions
Bottled at 60.9% ABV, Octomore 17.3 is non-chill filtered and contains no added colouring.
Enjoy it neat in a tulip-shaped tasting glass, allowing the aromas to develop for several minutes.
A few drops of water may reveal additional fruit, cereal and mineral nuances.
This expression is particularly appealing to enthusiasts seeking powerful peat smoke, carefully selected casks and a whisky with exceptional barley traceability.
