An Islay 17 year old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish #11844876 - The Octave Duncan Taylor

Profile: The An Islay 17 year old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish #11844876 - The Octave Duncan Taylor at a glance

• Islay Origin: Single Malt from a secret distillery on the Isle of Islay
• Independent Bottling: Selected and bottled by Duncan Taylor
• Octave Maturation: Intensified by finishing in small octave casks with an Oloroso sherry finish
• Limited Edition: Only 96 bottles from cask number #11844876
• Natural: No added colorings & Unchillfiltered, bottled at cask strength

Portrait: What makes the An Islay 17 year old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish #11844876 - The Octave Duncan Taylor special

Some things in life don't need grand pronouncements - they simply come with a certain aura. Like this 17-year-old single malt from a mysterious Islay distillery. The very thought of it sounds a bit like the beginning of a Scottish crime novel: distilled on 05.11.2007, bottled on 12.02.2025, cask number 11844876 - and exactly 96 bottles worldwide. If that doesn't sound like a "strictly limited character role," what does?

Behind this dram is Duncan Taylor, an independent bottler with a history stretching back to the 20th century. Originally a cask trader, the company has spent decades building a reputation for bringing hidden treasures from Scotland's distilleries to light - or rather, into bottles. They remain true to their principles: no chill filtration, no added coloring, but plenty of authenticity.

The "octave" maturation is something of a secret weapon. Smaller casks mean more contact between the wood and the whisky - and thus a more intense development. In this case, after its initial maturation, the whisky received a finish in an Oloroso sherry cask, which adds an extra layer of character. (Don't worry, we're not talking about taste here - that would be too easy.)

With a robust 53.4% ​​ABV, it makes a confident entrance, almost as if it knows perfectly well that it only has 95 siblings. Added to this is the typically strong smoky Islay style - a kind of olfactory calling card of the island that even whisky novices would immediately recognize.

Visually, it presents itself with elegant restraint: a honey-colored single malt in a stylish bottle. No unnecessary frills, but a presentation that says: "I'm here for what's inside."

In short: a whisky like a well-kept secret - only this time you can actually open it.

Distilled: November 5, 2007
Bottled: February 12, 2025
Cask No.: 11844876
Outturn: 96 bottles

Tasting Notes: This is how the An Islay 17 year old Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish #11844876 - The Octave Duncan Taylor tastes like

• Nose: Dense, prominent peat smoke immediately takes center stage and blends harmoniously with dark fruit aromas of raisins and figs. These are complemented by maritime notes of seaweed, which impressively reflect the typical Islay origin and give the bouquet a fresh, slightly salty depth.

• Palate: On the palate, a powerful combination of earthy peat notes and the sweet elegance of Oloroso sherry is revealed. Fruity nuances of red berries and ripe plums emerge, creating a balanced harmony between smoke and sweetness.
• Finish: The finish is long and pleasantly smooth. Bittersweet notes of orange marmalade linger, accompanied by a subtle hint of campfire smoke that fades slowly, bringing the experience to a stylish close.