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Duncan Taylor Aultmore 2017 9 Year Old The Octave Scotch Whisky Review

Can a Pedro Ximénez finish tame Aultmore's signature sandalwood note? We taste this 85-bottle single cask from Duncan Taylor's Octave range to find out.

OVERALL RATING

8
$69
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A single cask expression from Speyside’s Aultmore distillery, bottled by independent bottler Duncan Taylor as part of The Octave range. Distilled on the 17th May 2017, this Aultmore single malt was matured for 9-years before being bottled on the 25th May 2026, following a finishing period in a Pedro Ximénez sherry octave (Cask: 9549807). Only 85 bottles were produced, at natural colour and non-chill filtered, bottled at 53.6% ABV.
Appearance:
Dark Gold
Nose:
Aromas of spicy Pedro Ximénez sherry accompanied by dried fruits including raisins and sultanas, and rich orange marmalade. Spicy aromas of cinnamon, ginger and oak follow, with a subtle note of sandalwood.
Palate:
Spicy, rich and mouthcoating Pedro Ximénez sherry opens on the palate shifting to dried fruits including raisins and sultanas, accompanied by a touch of chocolate. At the mid-palate lots of cinnamon spice develops before shifting to oak and lots of exotic sandalwood.
Finish:
A medium-long finish with resurging notes of rich sherry, cinnamon and ginger which fade into lingering drying oak and sandalwood.
Comments:
An Aultmore single malt from independent bottler Duncan Taylor released as part of The Octave series, a collection of expressions which focuses on cask finishing the whisky in small sherry seasoned octave casks. Duncan Taylor does not state the length of the finishing period in the Pedro Ximénez octave, but there is plenty of rich sherry and dried fruit influence, although this does not completely overwhelm the characteristic exotic sandalwood note I often find on Aultmore expressions. There is a good balance between Aultmore’s spirit and the PX cask influence, and at the price point this is an easy drinking sherry cask finished Speyside malt.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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