Arran 6 Years Old Oloroso Rum Octave Finish – The Octave Project whisky review: Finally a little bit of body in this one, it borders on becoming undone by the spirity & spicy nature which come across as youthful exuberance. I have come unstuck upon several rum-cask finishes of late but this one has renewed my interest in them. A very pleasant way to finish off our Octave Project sampling.

Arran 6 Years Old Rioja Octave Finish – The Octave Project whisky review: Wow, superbly good and equal to the Oloroso in enjoyment terms. This Rioja-cask finish is a little dustier and drier and has a slightly lighter fruit profile with hints of spice and greener oak wood. That classic combo of strawberry and lime that really works. 73/100

Arran 6 Years Old Oloroso Sherry Octave Finish – The Octave Project whisky review: A great nose on this one, very smooth on the palate with plenty of mouth-watering fruit jam. sadly still a little too thin although some malty barley makes an appearance, a little warming with some reflux on this one. 73/100

Arran 6 Years Old PX Sherry Octave Finish – The Octave Project whisky review: On the face of it this had plenty going for it in terms of aroma’s and flavours, I must admit to preferring PX to Oloroso sherry most of the time. Unfortunately this is still too light-bodied to carry these flavours and any previous character has been obliterated. Sadly this PX finish tasted a little force-matured and this whisky’s backbone too weak to take it. 70/100

Arran 6 Years Old Original Bourbon Barrel – The Octave Project whisky review: This 6 year old cask strength bourbon-barrel matured Arran is very light bodied with fresh and fruity spirit and hints of wood. A little bit of a ‘ghost’ whisky, i.e. is it really there? Not a huge amount of character, but fairly light and pleasant enough to carry into the octaves for finishing. 68/100