Name: Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Brand: Duncan Taylor
Price: 86.96 GBP
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What does Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) taste like?

Accepted Answer

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is characterised by Smokey, Old Wood, Leathery notes. This 17-year-old Islay blended malt finished for seven months in a small octave cask provides greater wood interaction in its final stage, bottled at 52.9% ABV with only 71 bottles released by Duncan Taylor. The octave's smaller surface area amplifies cask influence during finishing, layering additional complexity into the Islay component's peat and maritime character. The texture is rich and complex, with the finishing cask adding dimension rather than dominance. Suited to collectors and Islay enthusiasts seeking small-batch nuance beyond standard expressions.

Question 2

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) smoky or peaty?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is intensely smoky and peaty, scoring 80/100 on the smoke scale. Expect heavy peat, bonfires, and medicinal notes.

Question 3

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) sweet?

Accepted Answer

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is not particularly sweet (0/100). It leans dry and savoury.

Question 4

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) good for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Not ideal for beginners — Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is a challenging dram with intense peat smoke and high ABV (52.9%). More experienced whisky drinkers will appreciate it most.

Question 5

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) worth the money?

Accepted Answer

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) costs £86.96 and is rated 0.0/5 by the community (0 ratings). Worth trying before committing to a full bottle.

Question 6

Should I drink Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) neat or with water?

Accepted Answer

At 52.9% ABV, Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) benefits from a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Try it neat first, then add water gradually.

Question 7

What food pairs well with Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)?

Accepted Answer

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) pairs well with smoked salmon, oysters, dark chocolate, aged cheddar, and chargrilled meats. The smoky, peaty character complements these flavours naturally.

Question 8

What glass should I use for Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)?

Accepted Answer

A Glencairn glass is ideal for Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) — its tulip shape concentrates the aromas and lets you appreciate the complex peat smoke and full nose. A nosing glass or copita also works well.

Question 9

What is the best serving temperature for Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)?

Accepted Answer

Serve Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) at room temperature (around 18–22°C). Avoid chilling it — cold temperatures suppress the aromas. If the room is warm, a brief rest after pouring is all it needs.

Question 10

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) similar to The Antiquary 21 Year Old?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) and The Antiquary 21 Year Old share a similar flavour profile (Old Wood) and are in a similar price range. The Antiquary 21 Year Old costs £84.9 vs £86.96 for Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor).

Question 11

Is Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) similar to Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) and Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) share a similar flavour profile (Smokey, Leathery) and are in a similar price range. Islay #4 11 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) costs £66.95 vs £86.96 for Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor).

Question 12

How does Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) compare to Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants)?

Accepted Answer

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) and Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) are in a similar price range but offer very different experiences. Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is bold and smoky, while Tobermory 8 Year Old 2008 (cask 900154) - Lady of the Glen (Hannah Whisky Merchants) is known for Sherried, Honey, Dried Fruit notes. See the full comparison on Neatly.

Islay Blended Malt 17 Year Old 1997 (cask 9810087) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

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