1983 Duncan Taylor Octave Cask Caol Ila 29 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The value stakes keep gaining momentum from the Independent bottlers. This is an extra aged, cask-strength Caol Ila at 29 years old from Duncan Taylor's new Octave Cask series. It's in the same mould as the stunning Caol Ila release of the same age and similar ABV under their "Dimensions" label (see notes below, now sold out). The difference here is that this whisky has been finished for 3 months in ex-sherrywood 'octaves' of approximately 100 litre capacity (the same size used to mature Yalumba's famous Octavius Shiraz).

Distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2012 - a mere 65 bottles available world wide! The price/quality/age ratio on offer here is extraordinary so expect these to go fast.

Tasting note for Dimensions bottling [indicative only]: Deep gold. Captivates with its vanilla cream-styled peat that's refreshed with hints of menthol and citrus peel. Second pass finds lanolin and kelp. Several minutes more sees the aroma flatten out slightly and turn to liquorice bullets and wet wood. A superb Caol Ila sniff. Super soft entry opens into a creamy, medium dry mid palate delivering stunning balance as the spirit glides over the tongue issuing little more than a pleasant warmth with semisweet vanilla and choc fudge flavours. Finishes smoky and dry with hints of liquorice bullet lingering into the prolonged aftertaste. Proof, if it were needed, that Caol Ila carries its age with grace and style. 95 points

Other reviews... Awarded 'GOLD' : Independent Bottler Challenge 2011, 21 YEARS & OVER, Islay.