Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 43%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon
Chillfiltered: Yes
Added coloring: Yes
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 450.00
Official website: www.malts.com
Vote: 84/100
Here is a vintage Caol Ila, belonging to the Flora & Fauna series that began in 1991 and still produces bottlings, albeit with much less attention from enthusiasts.
A version that was released since the first edition, its presence ending in 1999, the era from which the sample in my glass, generously offered by Nicola (and Nancy), probably came, and which today can be found at decidedly outrageous prices.
Tasting notes
The nose presents itself with elegant richness, maritime and citrus notes intertwined with an intense but not overpowering smoke, toasted juniper on which lemon drops, pineapple, red apple, heather, burnt caramel sizzle. Cedar wood soaked in sea water, with slight spicy touches (nutmeg, cardamom).
In the mouth it becomes more subdued, the peat picks up the coastal inflections with delicate firmness, an enveloping smoke that is never too heavy, accompanying and embracing sweet and fruity notes, in which a vegetable and fish component pasties with the burning embers. A flourish of pepper and paprika, sweet liquorice and, in the background, an impression of lilac soap, which tends to grow in length with a certain final lift.
The finish confirms the soapy part, on which smoke, salt, citrus fruits and spices slide.
Phenomenal on the nose, it also starts off well on the palate, then collapsing on the finish. A pity, because all the premises for excellence were there, while you find yourself looking at the empty glass with a veil of sadness.