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.

Octomore 7.4 was released in 2016. Produced from Scottish barley peated to 167 ppm, it was matured for seven years in new oak. This was the first maturation of this type for Octomore, making it the first “.4”. A limited edition of 12,000 bottles.