Octomore Edition 17.2

Profile: The Octomore Edition 17.2 at a glance

• Octomore 17.2: The smoky cask experiment from Islay
• Second release in the new Octomore Seventeen Series
• Aged for 5 years with dual-cask maturation and a Port finish
• 59.5% ABV with a robust 81.0 ppm
• French oak, Bourbon, and Port meet uncompromising Islay character

Portrait: What makes the Octomore Edition 17.2 special

Octomore 17.2 – When five years make a real splash
Octomore 17.2 marks the second entry in the new Seventeen Series—and this edition doesn't settle for just a single cask type. Here, the wood plays multiple leading roles; after all, things are allowed to get a little complex with Octomore.

This smoky project hails from the Bruichladdich Distillery on Islay. The distillery was founded in 1881, closed in 1994, and revived in 2001. Since then, Bruichladdich has pursued a distinctive approach where tradition and a spirit of experimentation often sit side-by-side at the cask.

Octomore is perhaps the distillery’s most famous experiment. For years, the series has explored the limits of peat levels—and what happens when that intensity is balanced with meticulous attention to origin, barley, distillation, and cask maturation.

This philosophy is particularly evident in the 17.2. The whisky first matures for four years in second-fill French oak casks that previously held Californian red wine. This is followed by a period of maturation in bourbon casks, before a finish in first-fill Port barriques provides the final touch.

In short: This whisky has moved house more often than many a university student.

Despite a relatively brief maturation period of five years, the 17.2 brings a wealth of character derived from its various casks.

It is bottled at a robust 59.5% ABV with a phenol content of 81.0 ppm. Given these specifications, it is clear that Octomore has not suddenly decided to tone things down, even in its 17th generation.

The 17.2 is thus a fine example of the series' experimental nature: a blend of different cask types, varied previous fills, and a distinct Islay identity come together to create a unique edition.

The global release launched on September 1, 2026.
Five years old, 59.5% ABV, 81 ppm, and a journey through multiple cask types.

Or, in the spirit of Octomore: Why keep it simple when you can make it interesting?

Tasting Notes: This is how the Octomore Edition 17.2 tastes like

• Nose: Notes of strawberry, blackberry, and cassis emerge on the nose, accompanied by an earthy, peppery smokiness. Lemon zest and lime oil add fresh, bright accents. The smoke remains present throughout but initially comes across as more restrained.
• Palate: On the palate, robust peat smoke meets red fruits, spicy Port nuances, and peppery earthiness. Citrus oils add vibrancy and freshness, while barley and malt take center stage.
• Finish: The finish is long and structured. Lingering smoke blends with dark fruits and spicy Port notes. Citrusy freshness and a dry, earthy nuance lead to a precise and enduring conclusion.