A New Chapter for “The Impossible Equation”
Bruichladdich Distillery has released Octomore Series 16, the latest installment in its annual lineup of experimental Islay single malts. Known as “The Impossible Equation,” Octomore challenges conventions around age, peating levels, and cask strength. Master Blender Adam Hannett explained, “Octomore exists to provoke and challenge… it’s too young, too strong and too peaty – hence ‘The Impossible Equation.’ But with each new Octomore expression, the spirit continues to surprise and delight with its depth, its campfire smoke and its incredible flavour profile.”
Octomore 16.1 – A Benchmark Expression
Octomore 16.1 is crafted from 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto Barley, malted to 101.4 PPM and aged five years in first fill bourbon barrels. Bottled at 59.3% ABV, it delivers peat smoke balanced with notes of salted caramel, honeyed melon, apricot, chocolate, coconut, and earthy minerality. Octomore 16.1 is priced at $204.99.
Octomore 16.2 – Complex Cask Innovation
Octomore 16.2 builds on the 16.1 distillate, also aged five years but finished in a combination of Oloroso and Bordeaux casks, followed by Madeira and Portuguese Moscatel. Bottled at 58.1% ABV, it offers flavors of caramelized sugar, roasted nuts, dried fruits, and sweet smoke. “We have an unparalleled selection of casks available to us and it’s important to continue to experiment and push boundaries,” said Hannett. Octomore 16.2 retails at $244.99.
Octomore 16.3 – Single Estate Islay Barley
The third release, Octomore 16.3, is distilled entirely from barley grown in Church Field on Octomore Farm, Islay. Malted to 189.5 PPM and bottled at 61.6% ABV, it was aged five years in Bourbon, Sauternes, and Pedro Ximénez casks. Hannett emphasized the whisky’s sense of place: “For me, whisky should evoke a sense of place, and the earthy, cereal-forward notes of Octomore 16.3 speak of its island origins.” Octomore 16.3 is priced at $279.99.
Crafted Entirely on Islay
All Octomore whiskies are conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled on Islay, un-chill filtered, with no added color. The whiskies are reduced to bottling strength using Octomore Spring water from the island.
Octomore Series Availability
Octomore Series 16, including 16.1, 16.2, and 16.3, became available September 2, 2025. The collection can be purchased online at Bruichladdich’s website and through specialist whisky retailers. Prices start at $204.99.
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