Caol Ila 2008 Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Caol Ila 2008 Octave, 10 YO, 52.6 %

Caol Ila 2008 Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Here is a (small) cask exclusive for Norway. The Caol Ila 2008 Octave is released by independent bottler Duncan Taylor. It has been matured for 10 years in unspecified cask and then finished for 3 months in an ex-sherrywood octave cask (cask# 4021073). Distilled in 2008 and bottled in 2018, with a total outturn of 67 bottles.

Earlier this year I reviewed another octave exclusive for Norway, a Glentauchers.

The Caol Ila 2008 Octave goes on sale on Nov 15 in Norway at NOK 1872 (10556101). Rather expensive for a 10 YO whisky.

Nose: A dram with a distinct maritime and peaty nose. I'm tempted .. yes, ok I'll do it .. 'y' not, really. I'd describe this as navy, briny, honey, peaty, leathery, ashy.

Taste: More or less medium bodied. Greener on the palate than on the nose. Briny and mildly fruity. Milk chocolate. More ashes than peat smoke now.

Finish: Medium long finish. Green, green, green. A touch of sea salt. Caramel and hints of sherry.

Comments: A fine youngster from Islay.

Score (84/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas