Say hello to Octomore 16.1 — the launchpad of the 16 series. It’s built from 100% mainland Scottish Concerto barley, peated like crazy (101.4 ppm), then aged five years in fresh first‑fill bourbon barrels. At 59.3% ABV it’s bold but never sloppy: peat smoke meets salted caramel, honeyed melon, apricot and that charred edge. Add some chocolate, coconut and gentle minerality, and you’ve got whisky with attitude. Sip it slowly, or splash a drop of water and let the smoke dance. (Yes, you’ll want the full dram.)