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 cask strength Octomore bottled by Specialty Drinks for the Elements of Islay range, which, as the name implies, features only whiskies from Islay. ‘Oc’’ refers to ‘Octomore’’ and ‘1’’ to this being the first Octomore in the range. The whisky was matured in a French wine cask from Côte-Rôtie La Mouline.