Octomore Edition 17.1

Profile: The Octomore Edition 17.1 at a glance

• Octomore 17.1: The uncompromising peat pioneer from Islay
• The launch of the new Octomore Seventeen Series
• Matured for 5 years in first-fill bourbon casks
• A powerful 59.7% ABV with an impressive 81.0 ppm
• Islay Single Malt from Bruichladdich Distillery – intense, precise, and uncompromising

Portrait: What makes the Octomore Edition 17.1 special

Octomore is one of the most uncompromising projects in the world of Scotch whisky. With Edition 17.1, Bruichladdich launches the new Seventeen Series in autumn 2026—staying true to its signature style: intense peat levels, unconventional maturation periods, and remarkable precision.

Octomore hails from the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. Founded in 1881, the distillery boasts a rich and varied history.

After several decades of dormancy, the distillery was revived in 2001. Since then, Bruichladdich has stood for a modern, distinctive approach and the courage to rethink traditional concepts of whisky. Octomore has become the distillery’s most renowned arena for experimentation. The central question: How far can the peat level of a single malt be pushed without sacrificing precision and balance? With a phenol content of 81.0 ppm, the answer provided by the 17.1 is once again unequivocal. With a maturation period of five years, this edition also demonstrates that age is not the sole defining factor for Octomore. What truly matters is the interplay between distillation, barley, peat, casks, and maturation time. For the 17.1, Bruichladdich has opted for full maturation in first-fill bourbon casks. The single malt is bottled at a robust 59.7% ABV—naturally, without holding anything back. In doing so, the Octomore 17.1 launches the Seventeen Series while clearly underscoring the brand’s philosophy: experimental, uncompromising, and crafted with precision.

The global release launched on September 1, 2026.

Five years of maturation. 59.7% ABV. 81.0 ppm phenol content.
For Octomore, these figures don't sound like exaggeration—they are a statement of intent.

Octomore 17.1 – the new generation of the smoky Islay experiment.

Tasting Notes: This is how the Octomore Edition 17.1 tastes like

• Nose: On the nose, aromas of vanilla, Scottish confectionery, and warm vanilla custard meet fruity pear drops and malt syrup. These are accompanied by dry, earthy smoke, toasted oak, and a hint of ash.
• Palate: On the palate, the sweetness of vanilla, pear, and malt combines with robust peat smoke. Toasted oak, dry earthiness, and subtle ashy notes build in successive waves. A delicate salty note provides a distinct contrast and ensures balance.
• Finish: The finish is long-lasting, dry, and smoky. Earthy peat, smoldering oak, and ash remain present, while a salty freshness ensures a precise and balanced finish.