Bruichladdich Unveils Its Latest Smoke Sensations: The Octomore 16 Whisky Series

Wednesday, 03 September 2025 at 10:01Bruichladdich

It's already time for the 16th edition of Bruichladdich's Octomore whisky series. As every year, the Islay distillery has a few beautiful smoky bombs ready to challenge your taste buds. Here we present the Bruichladdich Octomore Series 16 whiskies.

FAQ

How extreme is the Octomore 16 whisky in terms of peat?
Very extreme. These whiskies go up to a peat content of 189.5 Parts Per Million (PPM).
What makes the Octomore whisky series unique?
Everything from the extreme peat content to the types of barley used and the casks.
Where can I buy these limited editions?
The whiskies can be bought directly from the distillery, among other places.

Bruichladdich Octomore Series 16: Surprising and challenging peated whiskies

Bruichladdich has a few surprises ready for whisky lovers with the new Octomore 16 whisky series. This year the whiskies show what happens when you experiment to the limit with barley, peat, and casks.

The range includes four single malt whiskies that are extremely peated and made with single estate barley. Each of the four editions has its own story and character, but they all share one thing: the unmistakably smoky Bruichladdich character.

What whiskies are in the Octomore Series 16?

These are the four bottles in the Bruichladdich Octomore 16 range:

Octomore 16.1 – ‘The Reference’
Octomore 16.2 – ‘Cask Aced’
Octomore 16.3 – ‘Octomore Farm Islay Barley’
Octomore 16.4

Bruichladdich Octomore 16.1 peated Islay whisky

A glance at the Octomore 16.1 whisky

This year's Octomore series starts with The Reference. The whisky has been aged for 5 years in first-fill bourbon casks. Here are the details of the peated Islay whisky.

Barley: 100% Scottish Concerto.
Peat: 101.4 PPM.
Aging: 5 years in first-fill bourbon casks.
Alcohol content: 59.3% ABV.
Tasting notes: Salted caramel, earthy minerals, gentle campfire smoke.
Price: 159.99 EUR.

Bruichladdich Octomore 16.2 peated Islay whisky

What's the Octomore 16.2 whisky?

The second whisky in the set has as high a peat content as the 16.1 whisky. The difference lies in the aging process. This took place in Oloroso and Bordeaux casks, with a finish in Madeira and Moscatel casks. Here are the details of the Octomore 16.2 whisky:

Barley: 100% Scottish Concerto.
Peat: 101.4 PPM.
Aging: 5 years in Oloroso and Bordeaux casks, followed by a finish in Madeira and Moscatel casks.
Alcohol content: 58.1% ABV.
Tasting notes: Roasted nuts, dried fruit, and sweet smoke.
Price: 169.99 EUR.

Bruichladdich Octomore 16.3 peated Islay whisky

The Octomore 16.3 whisky varies with barley

Bruichladdich used a different type of barley for the Octomore 16.3. In addition, a combination of casks was used to create a subtly floral profile. Here are the details:

Barley: 100% Octomore Farm, Islay.
Peat: 189.5 PPM.
Aging: 5 years in bourbon, Sauternes, and PX casks.
Alcohol content: 61.6% ABV.
Tasting notes: Honey sweet malt, delicate smoke, subtle floral aromas.
Price: 220.00 EUR.

The exclusive late bloomer: Octomore 16.4

The fourth and final whisky in the Octomore 16 range is coming a bit later than the rest. The Octomore 16.4 will also be exclusively available from the distillery.

Barley: 100% Octomore Farm, Islay.
Peat: 189.5 PPM.
Aging: 5 years.
Alcohol content: 62.6% ABV.
Tasting notes: Roasted coffee beans, pure chocolate, toasted oak, and a hint of smoke.
Price: 220.00 EUR.

Where to buy the Bruichladdich Octomore 16 whisky series?

The first three whiskies can be bought from the distillery shop. In addition, the bottles will be released worldwide in limited quantities. The fourth bottle, Octomore 16.4, will be available from November 4th via the distillery's website.