Bruichladdich Octomore 16.3 is an ultra-high provenance single malt that reveals the heart of Islay. This expression uses only Concerto barley from a single field—Church Field—at Octomore Farm, Islay. This shifts the focus from cask influence to the pure character of grain, smoke, and island.

Like the other bottlings in Series 16, this whisky is super-heavily peated, but with an exceptionally high phenol content of 189.5 ppm. Yet, power is secondary to elegance here. Five years of maturation in a combination of bourbon, Sauternes, and Pedro Ximénez casks imparts subtlety, structure, and a refined sweetness. Bottled at 61.6% ABV, this Octomore retains its full expressiveness.

The nose is dominated by flowering heather and distant campfire smoke, complemented by barley sugar, freshly baked bread, lemon zest, and green apple peel. Delicate floral notes provide freshness, while the peat remains present but deliberately restrained.

On the palate, a harmony of honeyed malt, toasted grain, and a distinctive earthy note unfolds. Orchard fruit, citrus, and a hint of vanilla elegantly intertwine with soft smoke and salty notes. Heather, coconut-like gorse, and maritime minerality enhance the Islay character without overpowering it.

The finish is medium-long, refined, and layered: sweet barley and floral notes slowly give way to soft smoke, as if a beach bonfire were dying out. Citrus and a light minerality linger subtly.

Octomore 16.3 is a contemplative whisky – a quiet force within the Octomore range. For the connoisseur who seeks not just intensity, but above all provenance, balance, and authenticity.

Flavor profile:
- On the palate: Heather, bread, citrus, apple, subdued smoke
- On the nose: Honey malt, roasted grain, fruit, vanilla, salty smoke
- Finish: Elegant, slightly smoky, floral notes and mineral freshness

Contents: 70 cl - 61.6% VOL