Duncan Taylor Highland Park 2004 The Octave

This exceptional single malt from Highland Park was distilled in 2004 and carefully matured for 18 years, including a final period in a hand-selected 50-litre sherry octave cask. The smaller cask size accelerates wood interaction, intensifying the character and complexity of the whisky. Bottled at natural cask strength and non-chill filtered, this limited release—part of Duncan Taylor’s esteemed Octave series—showcases the Orkney distillery’s rugged maritime elegance combined with rich sherry depth. Only a handful of bottles were drawn from each cask, making it a rare and collectible expression.

On the nose, it offers a beautifully layered bouquet of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and dried stone fruits, underpinned by soft coastal minerality. The palate is full-bodied and warming, revealing flavors of stewed figs, espresso, and subtle oak spice, balanced by Highland Park’s signature heathery smoke. The finish is long and evolving, with lingering notes of honeycomb, earthy peat, and sweet spices. A true connoisseur’s dram—bold, balanced, and deeply evocative of Orkney’s elemental spirit.