Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 8.3 «Masterclass / 309 PPM» 2011/2017, 70 cl, 61.2 % Vol. (Whisky)

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Octomore Masterclass_08.3 is a highly peated expression from Bruichladdich distillery on Islay. The barley cultivation on Islay is challenging, and in 2010, Octomore farmer James Brown faced difficulties due to bad weather and wildlife interference. Despite the low yield, the malted Octomore grain produced unprecedented results with a peat reading of 309.1ppm. After a controlled distillation process, the whisky was matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks (56%) and casks previously used for wines such as Paulliac, Ventoux, Rhone, and Burgundy.

Bruichladdich's Octomore range is known for its heavily peated whiskies, and the Octomore Masterclass_08.3 takes it to new levels with a staggering 309 PPM, making it the most heavily peated Octomore released thus far. It was aged for five years, primarily in first-fill bourbon casks, with the remainder matured in casks previously holding wines from Paulliac, Ventoux, Rhone, and Burgundy.

Historically, Bruichladdich distillery, like its Islay neighbor Bunnahabhain, mainly produced unpeated single malt whisky. However, due to requirements from previous owners and blenders, it remained unpeated. In 1995, the distillery was shut down by Whyte and Mackay, who considered it unnecessary. Murray McDavid acquired the distillery in 2001 and introduced the peated Port Charlotte and heavily peated Octomore single malts in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Additionally, the distillery now produces the popular Botanist gin using a recommissioned Lomond still.