The Octave range is where the finest whiskies have a final maturation in ex sherry octave casks, the spirit is invigorated by the increased wood contact in the smaller casks, bringing you a spectacular dram.
The Caol Ila Premium Octave cask #4036556 has aged for 15 years in oak casks then spent the final months in an octave cask. This is a limited release of only 73 bottles. This is a single cask, bottled in 2023 at cask strength, not chill-filtered or coloured.
For many years, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited has experimented in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of single malt and single grain scotch whiskies. This research stemmed from the simple premise that there is more interaction between the wood and spirit over a shorter period of time in a small cask than in a large cask, allowing a faster melding of wood, air and alcohol. The spirit in this bottle is an exclusive example of good whisky taken beyond all expectations to become rich, complex and wise beyond its years; it has been 'Octave Invigorated'
Tasting Notes
Colour: Burnt Umber
Nose: Damp, dark and earth pine forest floor. Mushrooms sauteed in dark soy sauce. Some bitter chocolate with sweeter dried fruits steeped in brandy. A hint of seaside minerality, a damp pebble beach in winter. Dark, old-fashioned, mixed citrus marmalade.
Palate: Very fresh, clean and bright. Not as dark as the nose, more citrus. Salt preserved lemons, crystallised stem ginger. Buttery caramel. more minerality. A dry oaky, cool savignon blanc. A slightly saline touch. the smoke is very restrained, more ashy than smoky, a salty driftwood, bonfire ashiness, rather than a raging peat fire.
Finish: The smoke becomes more pronounced and adds to the generous length, a wonderful balance between dried fruit sweetness and the dryer citrus notes. the dark chocolate of the nose makes a welcome return, rich complex and satisfying.