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 6.3 was matured for five years. The barley was harvested in 2008 from a field known as Lorgba, on an Islay farm owned by James Brown. The malt is peated to 258 ppm. It was the first Octomore “.3”, which means it was produced only from Islay barley. A limited edition of 18,000 bottles.