Another classic from the Hebridean isle of Islay.
Golden.
Smoky bonfires, then soapy water and wet wool, with a smouldering beach bonfire in the distance. Hints of mineral oil, then wax.
Firm, smooth, light to medium.
Smooth and mildly sweet start with good acidity and sea salt.
A lingering, charred, slightly sour finish.
Distillery: Caol IlaTM
Age: 18 years old
Strength: 43% ABV
Place of Origin: Port Askaig
Region: Islay
in brief...Smoky aromas, smooth body with sweet and sour character.
in a sentence... Beach bonfires on the nose, with a firm body and smooth taste, long-lived finish with a charred edge to it.
2007
2008 - 2009
2005
2007
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2008
"The citrus is now grown-up. It’s gone all candied orange, some of it has morphed into apricot glaze and green banana. Treacle depth. The palate too shows maturity and clear sense of direction, the acidity is smoothed, peat subdued but warmed up and the orange turns into bitter marmalade. 1990s-style radiant blue cocktail type of sweetness. Ginger biscuits and grist on the finish. This is just amazing, Caol Ila at its best, flexing muscles and smiling at the same time."
www.edinburghwhiskyblog.com, October 2014