The first release in Bruichladdich’s Octomore Series 16, 16.1 sets the baseline for the series—bold, intense, and daring. Distilled from 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto barley, malted to 101.4 PPM peat, and matured for 5 years in first-fill bourbon barrels, this edition delivers heavy peat power with surprising nuance and elegance. It offers a gateway into the world of ultra-peated whisky without veering into one-dimensional smoke.
Tasting Notes
Colour: Warm amber with golden highlights.
Nose: Powerful waves of peat smoke, tempered by aromas of salted caramel, honeyed melon, and apricot. Subtle charred oak and a soft wave of earthy minerality lie underneath.
Palate: Intense yet balanced. Dark chocolate, coconut, and ripe stone fruits emerge alongside layers of sweet vanilla, bourbon spice, and peat. Earthy minerality and ash merge with tropical undertones.
Finish: Long, smoky, and complex. Charcoal, salted citrus, creamy sweetness, and lingering peat smoke thread their way through the aftertaste
Distillery Character & Craft
Octomore is famed for pushing the limits of peat and intensity, and 16.1 embodies that ethos. By using mainland barley rather than Islay-grown, it highlights peat in a different light—less maritime, more direct and assertive. The maturation in first-fill bourbon casks gives structure without overwhelming the spirit’s power.
This release is part of the daring Octomore tradition: powerful, expressive, and uncompromising. While packed with smoke, 16.1 still allows fruit, oak, and texture to shine through.
Collector’s Note
As the foundation for the Octomore 16 series, 16.1 is highly sought after by fans who wish to compare it with the more experimental siblings (16.2, 16.3, etc.). Its clarity, intensity, and relative accessibility (in terms of balance) make it a prized dram for serious peated whisky collectors and adventurous drinkers alike.
Technical Details
Barley Variety: 100% Scottish Mainland Concerto barley
Peat Level: 101.4 PPM (Phenol reach)
Maturation: 5 years in first-fill bourbon barrels
ABV: 59,3% (cask strength)
Volume: 700 ml
Filtration / Additives: Non-chill filtered, natural colour (standard for Octomore)
Delivery within South Africa:
All orders are delivered from our central warehouse located in Montague Gardens, Western Cape. Local orders are usually delivered in 0-2 working days. Orders outside of Cape Town but within SA are generally delivered within 2-5 working days. If you require expedited delivery, we now offer an Express delivery service, which typically takes 1-3 working days, depending on your area.
While we strive for timely deliveries, there are occasional instances where delays may occur. These are rare but can happen due to unforeseen circumstances.
Delivery Rates:
At checkout, you will be presented with delivery options and corresponding rates. These rates are provided directly by our courier partners and are displayed as is. On rare occasions, a courier may generate an incorrect delivery rate due to issues with the address recognition. In such cases, we will arrange for an alternative courier to deliver your order at a similar rate to the original cost.
We believe in offering transparency in our delivery fees and, as such, do not include any delivery costs in our product pricing. We do not profit from delivery fees.
Third-Party Couriers:
For the majority of our orders, we rely on third-party courier services for delivery. Regular notifications will be sent and on the day of delivery the couriers will notify you via sms, call or email . If the courier is unable to reach you, we will get in touch with you to arrange an alternative solution.
Please note, you will be required to sign upon delivery, and the drivers may request a form of identification.
If there is something wrong with your product, we will gladly issue a full refund of 100% of your purchase amount. To process this, please reach out to us at info@mothercityliquor.co.za as soon as possible, and we will guide you through the refund process.
Order Cancellations:
If you need to cancel your order, simply email us at info@mothercityliquor.co.za, and we’ll assist you with the cancellation process. Please note, cancellations will incur a small fee of 10%, which covers the transaction fees we incur for processing each order. If your order has already been shipped, please be aware that the shipping fee is non-refundable.
Consignment Orders:
We do not offer consignment stock or consignment deals.
Returns:
If you find that there is an issue with your product, you are eligible to return it to us. Here’s how you can initiate the return:
Exceptions to Returns:
Sale or Special Offer Items: Only regular-priced items are eligible for a refund. Unfortunately, items purchased on sale or as part of a special offer cannot be refunded.
