Octomore 18: Release Date, Expressions and Specs for 2027

Octomore 18: Release Date, Expressions and Specs for 2027

Octomore 18 is Bruichladdich's next release in its super-heavily peated whisky series, expected in 2027 with four expressions: 18.1, 18.2, 18.3 and 18.4. It follows the Octomore 17 Series, which reached retailers in September 2026, and early specifications already point to a shift for the world's most heavily peated single malt: pairing extreme peat levels with far older age statements than the series has used before.

The 17 Series Sets the Stage

Octomore 17.1, 17.2 and 17.3 went on sale on September 1, 2026, with 17.4 following on October 1 in a highly limited, online-only run. All four are five years old, distilled and matured entirely on Islay, and bottled at cask strength without colouring or chill filtration. Octomore 17.1 is peated to 81 PPM using Concerto barley from the Scottish mainland and matured in first-fill bourbon barrels at 59.7% ABV. Octomore 17.2 uses the same barley and peat level but spends four years in second-fill French oak before finishing in first-fill Port casks, reaching 59.5% ABV. Octomore 17.3 is peated to 132.1 PPM using barley grown on a single field, Irene's Field, on Octomore Farm on Islay, and matured across first-fill bourbon, Ribera del Duero, Sauternes, Eiswein and Syrah casks at 60.9% ABV. Octomore 17.4 is peated to 108.2 PPM and matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks finished in French virgin oak.

Master Blender Adam Hannett said the series reflects how Bruichladdich approaches whisky making: "Octomore embodies Bruichladdich's raison d'être: to create whiskies that are thought-provoking, challenge industry norms and offer consumers something they could not get anywhere else." On Octomore 17.3, he pointed to the barley's traceability: "We know the farmer, we know the field the barley was grown in. For me, this is an elemental and expressive dram: powerful yet composed, weather-beaten, coastal and deeply satisfying."

What's Already Known About Octomore 18

Early label filings and trade reports point to four Octomore 18 expressions due in 2027, continuing the series' habit of exploring a different barley, cask or maturation approach with each release. Octomore 18.1 is reported at five years old, peated to 80.0 PPM, distilled from a new barley varietal called Sassy grown on the Scottish mainland, and matured in bourbon and Dechar and Rechar bourbon casks at 59.8% ABV. Octomore 18.2 uses the same Sassy barley and the same 80.0 PPM peating level but is matured in Languedoc and Bordeaux wine casks, reaching 58.8% ABV.

18.3 and 18.4: Extreme Peat Meets Age

Octomore 18.3 is reported as the oldest Octomore yet at 15 years old, distilled from Oxbridge barley grown on Church Field at Octomore Farm on Islay and matured across bourbon, Languedoc wine and European oak casks at 56.7% ABV. Octomore 18.4 is reported at 14 years old, peated to 156.0 PPM, distilled from Concerto barley from the Scottish mainland, and matured across bourbon, American whiskey, Bordeaux and Romanian virgin oak casks at 56.2% ABV. Both the Romanian oak and the 14-year age statement would be new territory for the series.

Release Timeline and Availability

Bruichladdich has not confirmed an exact release month or pricing for Octomore 18, and the specifications above come from early label filings rather than an official campaign launch, so details may still change before 2027. In the meantime, all four Octomore 17 expressions are available on Spiritory, including the limited Octomore 17.4 release.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Octomore 18 coming out?

Bruichladdich has not confirmed an exact date. Early reports point to 2027, following the pattern of the Octomore 17 series, which launched in September and October 2026.

How many expressions are in the Octomore 18 series?

Four are expected: 18.1, 18.2, 18.3 and 18.4.

What makes Octomore 18.3 notable?

It is reported at 309.1 PPM, matching the highest peating level ever recorded for the series, previously set by Octomore 8.3 in 2017. Unlike that release, 18.3 is reported at 15 years old, making it the oldest Octomore yet.

Is Octomore 18 peatier than Octomore 17?

The two lighter expressions, 18.1 and 18.2, are reported at 80.0 PPM, close to Octomore 17.1 and 17.2's 81 PPM. The heavier expressions go further: 18.4 is reported at 156.0 PPM, above Octomore 17.4's 108.2 PPM, and 18.3 is reported at 309.1 PPM, well above Octomore 17.3's 132.1 PPM.

Can I buy Octomore 17 now?

Yes. All four Octomore 17 expressions are available on Spiritory, including the limited Octomore 17.4 release.