OCTAVE AND QUARTER CASK RANGE

Duncan Taylor and Co Ltd has experimented for many years in the use of differing cask sizes for the maturation of Single Malt and Single Grain Scotch Whiskies. Our researchstemmed from a simple premise that there is more woodinteraction with spirit over a shorter period of time in a smallcask than in a large cask, therefore allowing a more rapid "melding" ofwood, air and alcohol. The resultant spirit demonstrated a depth of maturitymissing in a larger cask over a similar period of storage. On completion ofa relatively short maturation period of a younger whisky, the spirit appearedsmoother, more balanced with plenty of character more reminiscent ofa long maturation. The rough edges were removed and the taste profilechanged dramatically to what would be considered a whisky of a muchmore mature nature or vintage. The whisky became polished, bright andsparkled with intensity.

We experimented to see how octave and quarter cask maturation wouldaffect whiskies that had already been matured for long periods in largercasks. The trial was done on existing 2nd or 3rd fill casks using olderwhiskies that had not quite matured to the level of quality expected byDuncan Taylor. The result was once again astonishing. On re-racking thewhiskies, we found that after just a few months the casks had breathednew life into the whisky, quickly changing hue, taste, form and characterof the spirit. The whisky was rejuvenated, a little more aggressive, with thecommanding presence of a mature well balanced peerless Scotch Whisky.

The results of our maturation tests for both young and old whiskiesconfirmed our belief that this would interest consumers and that they wouldtry this revolutionary method of what is regarded as technically finishing awhisky, no matter what the age or whisky type.