"The Journey of the Octave delves into the secret of the cask, how these magical little 65lt casks transform great whiskies to something truly exceptional and complex. We have spoken many times about the transformation, now we have the opportunity to share it with you.
In the kit, alongside the whisky we have added a sample of oloroso sherry, some wonderfully pure Highland water and a key aroma suited to each individual whisky.
Not each and every Octave will mature in exactly the same way and there all subtle differences across the three whiskies we have chosen, that is one of the great bonuses of this program." - Ian Logan Senior Spirits Manager for Duncan Taylor.
Get £20 OFF when you purchase kit and final bottle together! Click HERE to view kit with out bottle.
This product is beautifully packaged in glass bottles nestled in in a foam padded luxurious box to match the unrivalled whiskies inside. A perfect gift for your self or a loved one. It consists of A kit that includes 3*30ml whisky samples (pre octave, 6 weeks in Octave and the final product), 3*10ml Aroma samples that match the notes of the whiskies, that the experts at Duncan Taylor where looking for in the final product. 1*30ml sample of Sherry that rested in the Octave cask previous to the Glenrothes. 1*30mls of the water the experts at Duncan Taylor use to cut the whiskies as they sample them from the cask to determine their maturation progress. And a full 700ml bottle of the final matured Bunnahabhain.
The Bunnahabhain Octave cask NO: 3839524 has aged for 8 years in oak casks, then spent the final 4 months in a sherry octave cask. This release of only 82 bottles, is bottled at a cask strength of 53.6% , non chill-filtered and naturally coloured.
WHAT IS OCTIVATION?
For many years, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited has experimented in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of single malt Scotch whiskies. This research stemmed from the simple premises that there is more interaction between the wood and spirit over a short period of time in a small cask than in a large cask, allowing for a faster melding of wood, air and alcohol.
To great delight, the spirit that resulted from this method of maturation demonstrated a depth of quality missing from a larger cask over a similar period of storage. It had become smoother, more balanced and was bursting with character, With its rough edges removed, the taste profile was changed dramatically, becoming akin to a whisky of a much more mature nature or vintage. It was polished, bright and sparkling with intensity.
TASTING NOTES
Stage 1 - Pre Octave: Initially rain soaked peat hits the palate, it then softens and roasted salted nuts make an appearance, herbaceous notes of lemon grass dampened by sea air, all brought together with a lovely creamy texture.
Stage 2 - 6 weeks in Octave: The wet peat starts to be softened by the sherry, maritime notes continue, the herbal notes disappear with the development of dried fruits.
Stage 3 - 18 Weeks in Octave: The maturation in the Octave has softened the strong notes of wet peat to a Beach bonfire where wood smoke combines with salty sand and damp seaweed. The caramelised noted of baked apple blends with rich dried fruit notes given from a gentle sherry, all balance beautifully with a soft touch of black pepper.
