An absolutely straightforward, no nonsense Caol Ila. Crisp, assertive, direct and unmistakable.
Gaelic for dawn, Moch is like a splash of gold in the sky above Islay.
Pale gold.
Like wet, salty sand after the tide has receded, with antiseptic notes. Some smoke behind, as from an old bonfire.
Good viscosity.
Unreduced, sweet and salty with a balancing acidity, Caol Ila’s trademark smoky-antiseptic character is here.
Quite short, drying and warming with a little bitterness. Lingering smoky aftertaste.
Distillery: Caol IlaTM
Strength: 43% ABV
Place of Origin: Port Askaig
Region: Islay
Unreduced, clean and fresh like wet, salty sand after the tide has receded and with antiseptic notes; a fishmonger’s slab. Some smoke behind, as from an old bonfire. Adding a little water brings up hessian and carbolic soap. Less antiseptic now.
Appetising. Adding water gives a smoother, softer, sweeter feel, still very maritime, with a nice texture. Sweetly drying overall. Medium bodied, elegant and smooth.
An absolutely straightforward, no nonsense Caol Ila. Crisp, assertive, direct, and unmistakable.
"It shows a saline, seashell-like freshness, light smoke. and a pleasant mix of salami and grassiness. The palate is clean and intense with a continuation of that oyster liquor character. Great in a smoky Highball."
Dave Broom, Whisky Advocate Spring 2012
"Let me make this clear. This is a perfect whisky for sitting round with your pals, getting a takeaway, listening to the new Arcade Fire record or, if you're anything like us, just remembering a few enjoyable, slightly misspent times on an island which has left an indelible mark on all of us. Grab, open, pour, enjoy, re-pour, enjoy some more. Easy."
www.caskstrength.net, 2011