Duncan Taylor Octave 2012 Glen Garioch 11 Year Old (70cl, 53.8%)

This is an 11 year old Glen Garioch single malt from the Highlands, distilled in 2012 and bottled in 2023 by Duncan Taylor for its Octave range. It is bottled at a cask strength of 53.8% ABV in a 70cl bottle, with natural colour and without chill filtration. 79 bottles were released. The Octave range gives whisky a short finish in ex-sherry octaves, casks of roughly 60 litres. The small size means the wood and spirit interact quickly, expanding the flavour without overpowering the distillery character. Before the octave, the whisky showed pepper, fresh coffee, fudge, green apple skins and orange zest. Afterwards it moved to strawberry and cream, cloves, sweet sherry, butter toast and rich oak.