Duncan Taylor The Octave Bunnahabhain Staoisha 10 Year Old 2014 #3843349

Duncan Taylor The Octave Bunnahabhain Staoisha 10 Year Old is a heavily peated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distilled at Bunnahabhain in 2014 and independently bottled by Duncan Taylor in 2025. After a decade of maturation, the whisky received a nine-month finish in a 50-litre ex-Sherry octave cask, Cask #3843349. Bottled at its 53.4% cask strength, without added colour or chill filtration, this exceptionally small release produced only 85 bottles. Its profile combines intense peat smoke and maritime character with sweet Sherry influence, dark fruit, pepper and savoury notes.

Food Pairing: Smoked salmon, barbecued meats, mature cheddar, charcuterie, roasted nuts or dark chocolate.

Tasting Notes: Powerful and smoky with sweet Sherry character, dark fruit and maritime salinity balanced by pepper, savoury notes and lingering citrus.

Nose: Intense sweet smoke with stewed figs, pepper, sea salt and touches of leather.

Palate: Rich and viscous with sweet Sherry, maritime sea spray, maple-glazed salmon, ashy peat smoke and robust pepper.

Finish: Long, smoky and savoury with lingering citrus, berries and pastry-like sweetness.

Serve: Enjoy neat initially, then add a few drops of water to gradually open the peat, fruit and Sherry character.