The Octave Caol Ila 2008, 16 Year Old TSE Exclusive Cask #4045046

The Octave Caol Ila 2008, 16 Year Old TSE Exclusive Cask #4045046

Region: Islay

ABV: 55.5%

Price: £150.00

Distilled in 2008 and matured for sixteen years in oak casks, then finished for six months in a sherry octave, this Caol Ila was bottled in 2025 as a Spirits Embassy exclusive from Duncan Taylor’s Octave range. Cask #4045046 with an outturn of 93 bottles.

Nose

The nose opens fairly fruit forward rather than coastal. Orange, mango, passion fruit and strawberry gummies lead, with a little turmeric in the background. The peat shows as gentle wood char and an extinguished log fire that slowly appears with time. A little more patience brings out vanilla essence and limoncello. Even at 55.5% the alcohol spice is minimal.

Palate

The palate is honey-led on arrival. Citrus builds through the mid palate before ashy peat joins on a medium finish. Cracked black pepper appears on the finish but the alcohol remains well balanced. Mouthfeel is a touch thin for the strength. With air we find brown sugar, lemon curd and vanilla. Like the nose, the peat is restrained and the classic distillery character is slightly muted.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose brings a hint of warehouse funk, crème brûlée and a stronger hit of citrus. The alcohol spice and peat remain subtle, with fudge and a little chocolate emerging given a little patience.

Palate (with water)

With reduction we’re finding some of that fudge and crème brûlée on the palate. The citrus has receded somewhat, and the peat is also lighter. The spice is heading to the ginger variety and is joined by some dark chocolate on the medium finish. Different, but not necessarily worse with water. The mouthfeel is a touch better.

Conclusion

Some nice aromas and flavours, but the cask has covered some of what we personally enjoy about the base spirit. If you don’t go in looking for classic Caol Ila or a sherry bomb there’s a lot to enjoy here. Maybe one to give to a whisky drinker wanting a gentle introduction to peat.

Score: 7/10

Value

We appreciate the extra cost of using an octave to finish this, but £150 for a 16yo Caol Ila seems on the steep side.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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