Duncan Taylor bets on Octave range
Independent bottler Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky has announced plans to ‘significantly’ expand its Octave range this year.
In response to the success the Octave range had last year, Duncan Taylor is set to double the brand’s inventory in 2026 by adding hundreds of new whiskies and offering a broader selection of cask finishes.
In addition to oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry casks, several new octave finishes will make their debut this year, including Jamaican rum, Port, and Madeira.
The term ‘octave,’ derived from the Latin ‘octavus’ (meaning ‘eight’), refers to 64-litre barrels used in the past to teach coopers how to make larger barrels. The barrels typically yield about 85 to 90 bottles, as they are approximately one-eighth the volume of a Sherry butt.
The use of the barrels for ageing whisky is said to have been pioneered in the 1970s by Duncan Taylor’s former chairman, Euan Shand, as a young cooper.
All the brand’s bottlings have gone through a second maturation in octaves.
Last year, the Octave series also received new packaging to better reflect its commitment to sustainability.
Ian Logan, senior spirits manager at Duncan Taylor, said: “The ongoing success of our Octave range is now enabling us to push the boundaries for experimenting with new finishes. From our vast collection of whiskies, we always want to ensure that we keep the original character from the distillery while adding a layer of complexity to it.”
Logan named the 3-year-old from Holyrood Distillery as his favourite Octave expression so far, calling it “remarkable for such a young whisky”.
“The distiller is talented, and the cask was exceptional – it made an incredible Octave that measured beyond its years and created demand quickly, it was that good,” he said.
Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky identified a market gap and trademarked the name Octave more than 20 years ago. Today, the range is available in more than 50 countries.
Currently, the company operates from its headquarters in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, which includes a bottling plant, a cooperage, and a brand-new warehouse on site.
Last year, Duncan Taylor presented a Laphroaig set to HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla for their 20th wedding anniversary.
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