Cley
Sturm Single Malt Whisky Limited Edition 3 Year Old 48%
The Octave
Drumblade
About
The Octave is Duncan Taylor's signature project: whiskies finished in miniature casks roughly one-eighth the size of a standard butt. These small vessels dramatically accelerate wood interaction, allowing spirit to absorb cask character in months rather than years. This 13-year-old Speyside expression has been matured in its primary cask before a secondary maturation in an octave — a technique that intensifies both the distillery's inherent character and the wood's influence. Octave casks are typically constructed from ex-sherry or ex-bourbon wood, sourced from Spain or Scotland respectively. The smaller surface-area-to-volume ratio means the spirit develops richer, more concentrated notes than it would in larger vessels. Duncan Taylor's approach has earned respect among whisky enthusiasts for revealing unexpected complexity in familiar distilleries. On the nose, expect warm orchard fruit — apple and pear — with subtle spice and a hint of vanilla from the wood. The palate shows creamy malt sweetness balanced by dried fruit and baking spices, with a touch of leather emerging in the mid-palate. The finish is warming and moderately long, with lingering oak and a whisper of pepper.