Benrinnes 2010 Octave Cask - 53.1% - Duncan Taylor

 

From the Spirits Embassy website 

For many years, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited has experimented in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of single malt and single grain scotch whiskies. This research stemmed from the simple premise that there is more interaction between the wood and spirit over a shorter period of time in a small cask than in a large cask, allowing a faster melding of wood, air and alcohol. The spirit in this bottle is an exclusive example of good whisky taken beyond all expectations to become rich, complex and wise beyond its years; it has been 'Octave Invigorated' 

Distilled in 2010, aging for 11 years in oak casks and spending 9 months in octave, this cask strength Benrinnes from the Speyside region was bottled in 2021 yielding only 76 bottles.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: Yellow gold, forms a thick line which beads and falls as slow, thick legs.

Nose: Orange peel, Dundee cake, caramel nut toffee, citrus and a little maltiness.

Palate: Oily mouthfeel, initial hit of ginger and peppery spice, stewed apple, dried fruit. Water brings creaminess, the spice is reduced to allow dark fruit, shortbread and malt through.

Finish: Short, dark fruits, red berries and black pepper.

Summary: A dram with plenty of meat on its bones, although a little too spicy when taken neat. Adding a few drops of water makes a huge difference to this malt, reducing the peppery spice and allowing the whisky to really open up.

I’ve been really impressed by many of these Octave bottlings in recent years and this is no different. It’s big, bold and complex, the only disappointment is that the finish didn’t last longer. Current price is £85, which feels reasonable for a whisky of this quality.

If you would like to know more about Duncan Taylor and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website

Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.