Duncan Taylor Highland Park 2004 The Octave (70cl)

This is a Highland Park single malt from Orkney, bottled by Duncan Taylor as part of its Octave series. It was distilled in 2004 and matured for 18 years, ending with a period in a 50-litre sherry octave cask, where the small size speeds up the contact with the wood. It is bottled at natural cask strength and is non-chill filtered. The nose offers dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, forest floor and dried stone fruit, with a soft coastal note. The palate is full-bodied and warming, with stewed figs, espresso and gentle oak spice alongside heathery smoke. The finish is long, with honeycomb, earthy peat and sweet spice.