In this box, we excitedly welcome Duncan Taylor to The Dram Team Incredible Indies family. Founded in 1938 and one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, Duncan Taylor are renowned for their unparalleled collection of rare and aged casks. Here we explore 6 incredible drams from The Octave range – each one a rare drop in its own right.
Sláinte! – The Dram Team
Incredible Indies: Duncan Taylor, October 2025 Box
About the Octave range
The Octave range from Duncan Taylor uses ex-sherrywood octaves, which are approximately 60 litre casks, for a short finishing period to gently expand the flavour profile without overpowering the distillery character. This stemmed from the simple premise that there is more interaction between the wood and spirit over a short period of time in a small cask than in a large cask, allowing for a faster melding of wood, air and alcohol. Due to these small-sized casks, each Octave release is limited to less than 90 bottles.
Duncan Taylor Brackla 2011 13 Year Old
Standing upon fertile farmland on the Cawdor Estate in the Scottish Highlands lies Royal Brackla Distillery, founded by Captain William Fraser in 1812. The distillery's style is opulent and fruity with rich sherried notes. This Octave release is of just 87 bottles.
Before Octivation:
Fresh, chocolate covered strawberries, peppered nuts, physalis, dry.
After Octivation:
Sweet sherry, bell pepper, honey, milky coffee, shortbread.
Duncan Taylor Glentauchers 2008 16 Year Old
Glentauchers was founded in 1897 by two famous whisky blenders of the day: James Buchanan and W. P. Lowrie. Glentauchers has always gone into blends which lie on the lighter side of the spectrum, initially Buchanan's Black & White, and more recently Ballantine's. Accordingly, the set up - long ferments, slow distillation - has always been one where flowers are preferred to earthy weight. This Octave release was just 85 bottles.
Before Octivation:
Green apples, pears, rum and raisin ice cream, whipped cream, shortbread.
After Octivation:
Sweet sherry, soft caramel, fresh lime, fresh berries and cream, raisins.
Duncan Taylor Miltonduff 2009 15 Year Old
The Miltonduff distillery lies in the Glen of Pluscarden, whose barley rich pastures once played host to as many as fifty illicit stills during the 1800s. A very fresh, floral new make character shows Miltonduff to be a charming, light single malt. Here we have an Octave release of only 88 bottles.
Before Octivation:
Honey, toasted bread, icing sugar, creamy, fresh.
After Octivation:
Sweet sherry, caramel sponge, apricots, fresh lime, white pepper.
Duncan Taylor Tullibardine 2013 11 Year Old
Tullibardine distillery was founded in 1949 on the site of an old brewery, one which was said to have brewed ale for King James IV's coronation back in 1488! The brewery itself dated back to the 12th century, so it's fair to say that the site has had an incredibly long brewing and distilling history. A very small batch of just 61 bottles make up this Octave release.
Before Octivation:
Candied sweets, eucalyptus, butterscotch, cloves, stewed berrries.
After Octivation:
Rich sherry, rock cakes, meadow, sweet pineapple, apricots.
Duncan Taylor Glenallachie 2011 13 Year Old
Glenallachie distillery is a Speyside distillery in Aberlour, founded in 1967, and sitting at the foot of Ben Rinnes. Previously, the distillery mainly produced whisky for blends, but has been relaunched as a distillery known for its fruity single malt expressions. Here 71 bottles came from this Octave batch.
Before Octivation:
Fruit juice, grassy, lemon zest, soft caramel, fresh flowers.
After Octivation:
Sherry, fruit cocktail, S'mores, apple pie, white pepper.
Duncan Taylor Dumbarton 1987 35 Year Old
Before the 90s, Dumbarton made whisky with atypical stainless steel column stills (not copper), meaning heavier spirit. Made only from corn, not wheat, it’s sweeter and oilier than most single grains. The distillery closed in 2002, so this a rare dram indeed. This Octave Premium release scored 95 points at the IWSC awards. One to be treasured!
Tasting notes:
Nose: Creamy butterscotch and gentle sherry. Chocolate Digestives and earthy fallen leaves, then soft marmalade.
Palate: Dried fruits, plump raisins, prunes. Fresh, zesty citrus with a mouthcoating texture. Sweet, complex tobacco. Very lively.
Finish: Toasted oak brings spice. Savoury and slightly dry. Cinnamon French toast, fresh green walnuts.
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