Bruichladdich Octomore 17.3

Octomore 17.3 – 5 Year Old Islay Barley, 700ml, 60.9% ABV is an extraordinary super-heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery, released in September 2026 as part of the acclaimed Octomore Series 17.

Celebrating the relationship between barley, provenance and terroir, Octomore 17.3 represents a remarkable example of single-farm, single-field and single-vintage whisky production.

Unlike Octomore 17.1 and 17.2, which are produced using Scottish mainland-grown barley, 17.3 is distilled exclusively from Concerto barley grown in Irene's Field on Octomore Farm, Islay, located approximately two miles from Bruichladdich Distillery.

Harvested in 2019 and distilled in 2020, the barley was malted to an exceptional 132.1 PPM, creating a powerful foundation of intense peat smoke and distinctive Islay character.

The whisky was matured for five years in a carefully selected combination of first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and second-fill European oak casks, including those previously used for Ribera del Duero red wine, Sauternes, Eiswein and Syrah.

This sophisticated maturation profile creates a remarkable balance between intense coastal peat smoke, sweet malt, orchard fruits and complex oak influences.

On the nose, maritime smoke, sea spray and earthy peat mingle with fresh green apples, pears, lemon zest, vanilla and warm malted barley.

The palate is rich and commanding, revealing salted caramel, smoked orchard fruits, toasted coconut, praline and vanilla cream, followed by powerful waves of dry, ashy peat smoke and coastal minerality.

The finish is exceptionally long, with lingering sweet barley, warming oak, maritime salt and persistent earthy smoke.

Bottled at a formidable 60.9% ABV, Octomore 17.3 demonstrates Bruichladdich's commitment to traceable ingredients, experimental maturation and uncompromising Islay whisky craftsmanship.

A compelling addition to collections of Octomore, heavily peated single malts and limited-edition Islay whisky, Octomore 17.3 stands apart through its single-field barley provenance and exceptional 132.1 PPM peat level.

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: Coastal peat smoke, sea spray, tar and mineral notes, followed by sweet malt, brown sugar, lemon peel, green apples, pears, vanilla and delicate herbal aromas.

Palate: Full-bodied and viscous, with salted caramel, smoked apples, toasted coconut, praline and vanilla cream. Dry, earthy peat smoke builds alongside citrus oils and maritime salinity.

Finish: Long, dry and smoky, with lingering malt sweetness, gentle floral notes, vanilla, coastal salt and warming peat.