1985 Duncan Taylor Octave Cask Glenburgie 27 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Another rare and unusual Duncan Taylor bottling, this time from Glenburgie Distillery.

Glenburgie was established around 1810 and is presently owned by Pernod Ricard. Its Single Malt makes up a key component of the Ballantine's blends. The difference here is that this whisky has been finished for 5 months in ex-sherrywood 'octaves' of approximately 100 litre capacity (the same size used to mature Yalumba's famous Octavius Shiraz).

This is from single cask No 943675 which drew a mere 69 bottles. Bottled 2012 at cask strength, with no chill-filtration or colouring.

Tasting note: Deep amber / polished brass. Beeswax and roasted nuts followed by enticing hints of dates, then more fruit'n'nut chocolate plus a forgivable whisper of sulphur. Intense, mildly bittersweet with excellent depth as fruit cake flavours evolve. Good balance. More tannic at the finish as the tongue tingling spices carry the dried fruit / clove finale. Almost a classic. 54.8% Alc./Vol.