North British 2011 The Octave Mizunara #5952066 – 53.4%

Duncan Taylor presents a single grain from the North British Distillery in the Lowlands, distilled in January 2011. What makes this whisky special is its two-stage maturation: after its primary aging, this whisky was finished in a Mizunara octave cask. These significantly smaller casks allow for a more intense exchange between the wood and the distillate, while the rare Japanese wood is known for its complex, spicy notes. This rarity was bottled in September 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of Kirsch Import in a strictly limited edition of just 85 bottles.

On the nose, a rich bouquet of vanilla, honey, and caramel unfolds, harmoniously complemented by sweet grain notes. On the palate, this amber-colored whiskey is soft and round, with flavors of toffee and roasted hazelnuts blending with a subtle citrus note. The sandalwood notes characteristic of Mizunara oak and a subtle peppery spice lend the profile a remarkable depth, culminating in a long-lasting, dry, and harmonious finish.