Explore the profound influence of Islay terroir with Octomore 16.3, a single malt defined by its single-farm provenance. Continuing the Series 16 odyssey, this elegant and powerful expression is crafted exclusively from barley grown in Church Field on Octomore Farm, Islay. Peated to an immense 189.5 PPM, this is a deep dive into the heart of Islay. Find this rare and coveted whisky through our preferred online retail partner, Nestor Liquor.
Distilled in 2019 from the 2018 harvest of 100% Concerto barley, this five-year-old single malt is a true taste of its island home. Its complexity is further enhanced by a unique and masterful maturation profile, resting in a combination of ex-Bourbon, sweet Sauternes, and rich Pedro Ximénez casks. Bottled at a formidable cask strength of 61.6% ABV, it is a symphony of honeyed malt, toasted grain, and a distinctive earthiness, all interwoven with delicate threads of smoke and salinity.
Key Specifications:
Product: Octomore 16.3 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Octomore series is Bruichladdich's ongoing experiment to answer the question, "What if?" It challenges the conventional wisdom of Scotch, proving that a super-heavily peated whisky can be remarkably complex and elegant, even at a young age. The ".3" editions within each series are the ultimate exploration of terroir, using only barley grown on Islay (and often on Octomore Farm itself) to showcase the unique influence of the island's soil and maritime climate on the final spirit.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Peat, Terroir, and Cask
Nose: A beautiful and complex bouquet. The intense, earthy peat smoke is immediately present, but beautifully balanced by notes of honeyed malt, toasted grain, and a distinct maritime salinity. The wine casks add layers of apricot, honey, and rich, dark fruit.
Palate: An incredibly rich, oily, and viscous mouthfeel. The initial sweetness from the Sauternes and PX casks—think honey, figs, and raisins—is expertly cut through by the powerful, dry peat smoke. The bourbon cask influence brings a classic vanilla and caramel foundation, while the Islay barley provides a unique, earthy minerality.
Finish: The finish is exceptionally long, evolving, and complex. Delicate threads of smoke, sweet fruit, and salty sea spray linger on the palate, creating a memorable and thought-provoking conclusion.
Why Octomore 16.3 is a Must-Have:
A True Expression of Islay Terroir: Crafted exclusively from barley grown on Octomore Farm, this is a rare opportunity to taste the direct influence of Islay's unique growing conditions.
A Masterclass in Cask Maturation: The complex, three-cask maturation recipe creates a unique and profoundly deep flavor profile that is a dream for any Scotch enthusiast.
The Apex of Peat: At 189.5 PPM, this is a super-heavily peated whisky that delivers an intense smoke experience, yet remains balanced and elegant.
A Highly Coveted Collectible: Each annual Octomore release is a limited and sought-after item, and the ".3" Islay barley editions are often the most prized by connoisseurs.
This is a whisky that tells a story of a single farm, a single harvest, and a single island. Contact Nestor Liquor today to inquire about securing a bottle of the legendary Octomore 16.3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does the ".3" in the name signify?
A: In each annual Octomore series, the ".3" release is always the expression that is distilled from 100% Islay-grown barley, often from Octomore Farm itself. This makes it the most terroir-driven whisky in the series.
Q: How is this different from Octomore 16.1 and 16.2?
A: While all are 5 years old and from the same series, the 16.1 uses 100% Scottish mainland barley and is aged only in ex-bourbon casks. The 16.2 uses Scottish mainland barley and is aged in a complex recipe of European wine casks. The 16.3 is unique because it uses 100% Islay barley and a different combination of casks (Bourbon, Sauternes, PX).
Q: What flavor do Sauternes and PX casks add?
A: Sauternes is a sweet French dessert wine, and its casks add notes of honey, apricot, and citrus. Pedro Ximénez (PX) is an intensely sweet Spanish sherry, and its casks impart rich, dark notes of raisins, figs, and chocolate.
Q: Where can I purchase Octomore 16.3?
A: Octomore is a highly sought-after, limited annual release, and the ".3" editions are often the most limited. We recommend contacting our preferred retail partner, Nestor Liquor, to inquire about their inventory and availability.
