The Islay Monster “Octomore 16.4” Has Arrived!

2026.10.05

In short: Octomore 16.4 from Bruichladdich on Islay — 189.5ppm, 62.6%, Octomore Farm barley matured in bourbon casks and finished in French virgin oak, with official tasting notes of smoke, caramel, coffee and dark chocolate. Best started with a half shot. From Bar Little Happiness, Hiroshima.

The long-awaited “16.4” has finally arrived at Bar Little Happiness in Naka-ku, Hiroshima!

Every Islay whisky lover longs for it at least once — and is knocked flat by its almost violent character…

The treasured child of the “Octomore” series.

There were rumours that 16.4 would be sold first overseas or only at the distillery, so I was on edge about whether we could get it in Japan — but we managed to put it on the Little Happiness shelf!

What “16.4” really is, according to the official site

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Barley from Octomore Farm, matured in bourbon casks and French virgin oak casks.

The barley’s subtle earthy nuance is layered with toasted oak from the bourbon casks, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and sweet smokiness.

The French virgin oak finish gives a depth beyond its 5 years of maturation.

— so they say.

An aside: I couldn’t stop noticing the “amount” in the overseas video… (laughs)

I also watched the official introduction video, and the amount in the taster’s glass was clearly far too much!

I couldn’t help doing a double take.

An amount where you think, “Isn’t that about three shots…?” (laughs).

16.4 has monster-class specs: 189.5ppm and 62.6%.

Going all in at once would be tough, so please enjoy it slowly at Little Happiness, starting with a “half shot” 🎵

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Official tasting notes

• Nose: Intense smoke rises, turning into dense, caramel-like sweet aromas from the virgin oak.

• Palate: Toasted oak, roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate and gently sweet smoke spread out. Stewed apple and pear harmonise with the richness of the oak.

• Finish: Very long. The sweetness of toasted wood, baking spices and a faint smoke linger quietly, while sea salt adds a touch of flavour.

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About this bottle

At Bar Little Happiness, you can enjoy “Octomore 16.4” — super heavily peated at 189.5ppm, 62.6%, bourbon casks plus a French virgin oak finish — in three ways:

• Drink it at Bar Little Happiness

• Take it home in a small sample bottle (sold by measure) from the bar

• Order from our online shop (delivery within Japan)

For those who want to try a small amount first, as a souvenir of your trip, or at home if you live far away.

→ [Octomore 16.4 sample bottle (sold by measure) | Bruichladdich’s monster-class Islay peat] (https://shop.little-happiness.jp/products/16-4-octomore) (in Japanese)

Every encounter is meant to be. Welcome to the world of Rum&Whisky.

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