The first release in Bruichladdichs Octomore Series 16, 16.1 sets the baseline for the seriesbold, intense, and daring. Distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto barley, malted to 101.4 PPM peat, and matured for 5 years in first-fill bourbon barrels, this edition delivers heavy peat power with surprising nuance and elegance. It offers a gateway into the world of ultra-peated whisky without veering into one-dimensional smoke.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Warm amber with golden highlights.

Nose: Powerful waves of peat smoke, tempered by aromas of salted caramel, honeyed melon, and apricot. Subtle charred oak and a soft wave of earthy minerality lie underneath.

Palate: Intense yet balanced. Dark chocolate, coconut, and ripe stone fruits emerge alongside layers of sweet vanilla, bourbon spice, and peat. Earthy minerality and ash merge with tropical undertones.

Finish: Long, smoky, and complex. Charcoal, salted citrus, creamy sweetness, and lingering peat smoke thread their way through the aftertaste

Distillery Character & Craft

Octomore is famed for pushing the limits of peat and intensity, and 16.1 embodies that ethos. By using mainland barley rather than Islay-grown, it highlights peat in a different lightless maritime, more direct and assertive. The maturation in first-fill bourbon casks gives structure without overwhelming the spirits power.

This release is part of the daring Octomore tradition: powerful, expressive, and uncompromising. While packed with smoke, 16.1 still allows fruit, oak, and texture to shine through.

Collectors Note

As the foundation for the Octomore 16 series, 16.1 is highly sought after by fans who wish to compare it with the more experimental siblings (16.2, 16.3, etc.). Its clarity, intensity, and relative accessibility (in terms of balance) make it a prized dram for serious peated whisky collectors and adventurous drinkers alike.

Technical Details

Barley Variety: 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto barley

Peat Level: 101.4 PPM (Phenol reach)

Maturation: 5 years in first-fill bourbon barrels

ABV: 59,3% (cask strength)

Volume: 700 ml

Filtration / Additives: Non-chill filtered, natural colour (standard for Octomore)