Octave Caol Ila 2008, 16yo cask 4045036 @ 54.7%

A limited single cask release from Duncan Taylor's acclaimed Octave series, showcasing the distinctive coastal character of Caol Ila.

Distilled in 2008 and matured for 16 years, this Single Malt Scotch Whisky was finished in Octave cask #4045036 — approximately one-eighth the size of a traditional sherry butt. The smaller cask increases interaction between the whisky and the wood, adding richness, balance, and complexity while preserving Caol Ila's signature smoky coastal profile.

Bottled at its natural 54.7% cask strength with no chill filtration and no added color, this limited single cask release offers an authentic expression of both the distillery and Duncan Taylor's innovative Octave maturation.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Bold Islay peat smoke leads, followed by liquorice, black pepper, crisp apple juice, and salted nuts.

Palate: Smoked bacon crisps, salted caramel, cracked black pepper, and lingering peat ash — a savory-forward profile with underlying sweetness.

Finish: Long and smoky, with persistent coastal brine and a slow fade of black pepper and ash.

How to Drink It

Neat: The recommended way to experience this release — let it breathe for a few minutes before your first sip.

With Water: A few drops reveal the interplay between smoke, salt, and sweetness beneath the cask strength.

In Cocktails: The savory, smoky profile makes an exceptional base for a Penicillin or Smoky Manhattan.

Bottle Details

• Distillery: Caol Ila
• Region: Islay, Scotland
• Spirit: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Series: Duncan Taylor Octave
• Age: 16 Years
• Distilled: 2008
• Cask Number: 4045036
• Maturation: Octave Cask
• ABV: 54.7% (Cask Strength)
• Bottler: Duncan Taylor
• Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
• Natural Color: Yes
• Release: Limited Single Cask