Bruichladdich Octomore 17.1

Octomore 17.1 – 5 Year Old, 700ml, 59.7% ABV is a super-heavily peated Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Bruichladdich Distillery, released in 2026 as part of the highly anticipated Octomore Series 17.

Known as “The Reference,” Octomore 17.1 provides the benchmark against which the other expressions in the series are compared, highlighting the influence of barley, peat and cask maturation.

Distilled from 100% Scottish mainland-grown Concerto barley, malted to an impressive 81.0 PPM, this extraordinary whisky has been matured for five years exclusively in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels.

The bourbon maturation allows the distillery's intensely peated spirit to shine, balancing powerful earthy smoke with creamy vanilla, sweet malt, caramel and fresh orchard fruits.

On the nose, vanilla custard, Scottish tablet and sweet barley are joined by delicate pear drops and coastal freshness. The palate develops layers of toasted oak, rich malt syrup and dry peat smoke, with an underlying sweetness that balances its remarkable intensity.

The finish is long and distinctive, combining smouldering oak, lingering ash, maritime salinity and warming spice.

Bottled at a formidable 59.7% ABV, Octomore 17.1 demonstrates that exceptionally high peat levels and youthful maturation can deliver remarkable complexity, refinement and balance.

A highly desirable addition to collections of Octomore releases, heavily peated Islay single malts and limited annual Scotch whisky editions.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Creamy vanilla custard, sweet malt, Scottish tablet, pear drops and soft coastal aromas, followed by earthy peat smoke.

Palate: Rich and powerful, with vanilla milkshake, malt syrup, toasted oak and warming spice. Waves of dry smoke and ash are balanced by sweet bourbon-cask character.

Finish: Long and smoky, with smouldering oak, maritime salt, earthy peat and lingering sweetness.