Bruichladdich Octomore 12.2 750ml

Octomore is Bruichladdich's heavily peated Scotch, made on Islay using barley smoked to some of the highest phenol levels in the whisky world, and the 12.2 edition continues that house tradition of pushing smoke intensity further than most single malts attempt. Despite the huge peat level, Octomore is known for staying surprisingly balanced rather than one-dimensional, layering campfire smoke and iodine over the distillery's typically fruity, slightly sweet new-make character. Each numbered edition varies in cask makeup and exact phenol reading, so 12.2 has its own specific balance of smoke, fruit, and barrel spice even as the house style stays consistent. This is a whisky built for peat lovers who want intensity without losing drinkability.

How to drink Octomore 12.2

Give it room to breathe in a Glencairn glass before diving in—the smoke needs a minute to settle so the fruit underneath can show. A few drops of water tends to open it up more than it dulls it, which isn't true of every heavily peated whisky.

Whisky