Bruichladdich Octomore 17.3 Islay Single Malt Scotch

Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 17.3 is a super-heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky bottled at a robust 60.9% ABV, distilled from 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley malted to a whopping 132.1 PPM. This edition spends four years resting in second-fill French oak casks that previously held Californian red wine and bourbon, then finishes in first-fill Port barriques — a cask combination Bruichladdich has never used for Octomore before. The result is a five-year-old whisky that layers intense peat smoke with rich, wine-driven sweetness, making it a fascinating counterpart to its bourbon-cask sibling, Octomore 17.1.

Bruichladdich, based on the shores of Islay, has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of what single malt Scotch can be, and the Octomore series is the ultimate expression of that philosophy — chasing extreme peat levels while never sacrificing complexity. The barley was harvested in 2019 and distilled in 2020, with the spirit matured for five years on Islay. Octomore 17.3 is aged full-term in a complex combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill European oak casks, including casks previously used for Ribera del Duero wine, Sauternes, Eiswein, and Syrah.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Coastal peat smoke, sea spray, warm malt, brown sugar, lemon peel, green apple, pear, vanilla, marzipan, and fresh herbal notes.
• Palate: Salted caramel, smoked apple, toasted coconut, praline, vanilla cream, sweet barley, citrus oils, pepper, mineral salinity, and deep earthy peat.
• Finish: Long and dry with malt sweetness, soft florals, vanilla, maritime salt, charred oak, and persistent savory peat smoke.

Product Details

Perfect For

• The Peat Enthusiast's Home Bar: A must-have for anyone chasing the boldest, smokiest single malts Islay has to offer.
• Special Occasion Sipping: This is a slow-down, savor-it pour for milestone celebrations or a quiet night when you want something memorable.
• Gift for the Whisky Collector: Rare, limited-release Octomore editions make a standout gift for the serious Scotch lover on your list.
• Side-by-Side Tasting: Pour it alongside Octomore 17.1 for a fascinating comparison of bourbon versus wine-and-Port cask influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Octomore 17.2 different from other Octomore releases?

Octomore 17.3 stands out for its unique cask journey, aging in second-fill French oak that previously held Californian red wine and bourbon before finishing in first-fill Port barriques — a combination never before used in the Octomore series.

Is Octomore 17.3 very smoky?

Yes, at 132.1 PPM this is a super-heavily peated Scotch, delivering intense campfire smoke on the nose and palate balanced by rich Port wine sweetness and dark fruit.

How should I drink Octomore 17.3?

This whisky is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water to open up the fruit and smoke layers; its high proof and bold peat make it less suited for everyday mixing and more of a sipping whisky for special moments.

Is this a good whisky for someone new to peated Scotch?

Octomore is one of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world, so it's better suited for drinkers who already enjoy smoky Islay malts like Ardbeg or Laphroaig rather than as a first introduction to peat.

Why is Octomore 17.3 considered rare?

As a limited annual release with a distinctive Port cask finish never used before in the series, quantities are small and it tends to sell out quickly among collectors and peat lovers alike.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this product.