Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic and Peated

Two new bottlings of Glenglassaugh distillery were released recently: Octaves Classic and Octaves Peated. The names disclose a distinctive difference between those two which is based on different malts that were used. While Glenglassaugh Octaves Classic was produced with unpeated malt, Octaves Peated gets smoky aromas from peated malt. Another point might be even more interesting for fans of the distillery based near Portsoy in the north-east of Scotland: The name “Octaves” is a clear hint for the maturation of this Single Malt in exceptionally small casks.

The oak casks that were used for the Glenglassaugh Octaves are made from staves of larger pre-used barrels. They are only one eighths size of a common butt which makes up not even 50 liters. Experts among whisky drinkers are aware about the advantages but also the risks of whisky maturation in small casks like that: Because of the greater contact of wood and spirit resulting from the bigger contact surface the change and development of aromas can happen much quicker, especially the part of the additive maturation. Whether the balance between additive and subtractive maturation is hold can only be ensured by a constant observation of the maturing whisky to choose the perfect time for bottling.

Official tasting notes of the Glenglassaugh Octaves

Octaves Classic
Colour: Rich golden amber.
Nose: An abundance of sweet shop characteristics. Sherbet and candy apples with a gentle warmth of white pepper and cinnamon.
Palate: A vibrant green apple skin note balances with stewed yellow plums and hints of black vanilla pod. Clean, freshly sawn oak softens to crisp, sweet barley in the long finish.
Finish: A delicious combination of citrus and sweet notes complement the unique oak characteristics from the octave cask maturation.

Octaves Peated
Colour: Bright autumn gold.
Nose: A dollop of rich clotted cream spread over apple crumble, infused with delicious, sweet waves of heather burning on the hillside.
Palate: Apricot jam and greengage plums with a contrasting warmth of freshly cracked black pepper. A subtle and delicate smouldering peat ember smokiness flows through the palate.
Finish: The delicate, sweet nature of Highland peat marries harmoniously with the distinctive spirit and cask interaction found in octave maturation.

About the author Petra Milde

Petra Milde is a freelance author of books and specialist writing about spirits and food. She has been supporting the Whisky.de editorial team since 2015 and creates informative and entertaining articles in the news section.

Besides her writing work, she moderates tastings and can be met at spirits fairs, both behind the stands and in front of them, looking for new products and interesting people to talk to.

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