Bruichladdich Edition 17.1 Octomore Single Malt Whiskey 700ml

Octomore 17.1 is known as The Reference, the benchmark against which the other releases in the 17 Series are compared. The .1 expression is always matured in bourbon barrels, and its flavor shifts each year with the barley and the changing weather on Islay's rugged coast. Master blender Adam Hannett describes Octomore as whisky made to challenge industry norms.

This single malt was distilled in 2020 from the 2019 harvest of 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley, malted to 81.0 PPM. It matured full-term for five years in first-fill bourbon barrels, entirely on Islay. The whisky is non-chill filtered, has no added color, and is bottled at 59.7% ABV, or 119.4 proof.

Pale winter gold in color, the nose is clean and precise, opening on sweet malt and creamy vanilla custard, with toasted coconut, butterscotch, citrus peel, and green melon. Smoke rises gently, like glowing peat embers and a distant beach bonfire on a salty breeze. The palate is viscous and richly sweet, with vanilla milkshake, Scottish tablet, pear drops, and malt syrup. The peat builds in waves, from dry, earthy smoke to smouldering oak and ash, while salinity cuts through the sweetness.