In 2002, Bruichladdich's master distiller Jim McEwan decided he wanted to create the peatiest whisky in the world, adding Octomore to its range range of unpeated (Bruichladdich) and very peated (Port Charlotte) whiskies. In addition to its extraordinary phenol content, Octomore is also characterized by an innovative approach to the blending and ageing of these spirits.

A heavily peated whisky (167 ppm) distilled in 2008 at the Bruichladdich distillery on the Isle of Islay in Scotland, bottled after 10 years of maturation. The blend includes whiskies aged in port, Cognac, bourbon and new oak casks. 12,000 bottles were produced.