Octomore 2016 13.1 Super Heavily Peated

Octomore takes its name from a historic farm on the Islay hillside above Port Charlotte, created in 2002 by Mark Reynier and master distiller Jim McEwan as an experiment in extreme peatiness. This is not a gentle introduction—it is a statement of intent. The 13.1 was distilled in 2016 from 100% Scottish Concerto barley and aged for five years exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, bottled at near cask strength (59.2%).

This is liquid smoke without apology. The nose leads with toffee and sweet barley, but is quickly overwhelmed by deep peat and earth. On the palate, thick waves of smoke roll through, accompanied by candied orange peel, dried fruit, and walnut that linger long. The finish is intense and sustained—more smoke, but underpinned by honey and spice that cut through.

This is whisky for those who see peat not as an accessory, but as the core story. Warm it gently, take your time, and let the smoke envelop you entirely.