Caol Ila 25 Year Old (2004)
Appearance
Bright full gold.
Body
Fresh, smooth, firm and drying.
Nose
Dry and medicinal overall. Immediate peat smoke, as in an empty kiln. Behind this a sweet, fruity complex (crystalline sugar, tinned pears, then more apple-like) and a creamy egg-custard note, with Pecan nuts. Adding water brings up the smoke and with it, sooty aromas – steam from a steam engine, plasticine. Later, English muffins.
Palate
Led by the nose, drying and sweetly floral - tabbouleh, pine nuts, honey. After this sweet start, medicinal and very maritime. Acidity and saltiness, with some centre palate fizz. Develops into wicker chairs and a trace of embrocation. Complex, distinctive.
Finish
Plenty of smoke in the medium to long finish, leaving a lingering, dry, barbecue aftertaste. Sustained and mustardy.