Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 57.3%ABV
Ageing casks: Refill, rejuvinated and rejuvinated ex-wine from American and European oak
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 110.00
Official website: www.malts.com
Vote: 89/100
It’s that time of the year when autumn is in full force, we get ready to eat chestnuts, and the Diageo Special Releases arrive.
The theme of 2023 (Spirited Xchange) is back, without the frills and explanations about the subtitles of each bottling, which are to be taken faithfully, and I could only start from the one that intrigued me most of all, namely the Caol Ila.
The distillery has always been present in the series since 2004 with the last appearance dating back to 2018, returning in the unpeated guise as it was then and in the three years before, but with a novelty: in fact, the label mentions short fermentation and cloudy wort, and distillation in only partially filled stills, as well as a mix of (supposedly) rejuvinated and refilled ex-bourbon and ex-wine (European and American oak) casks.
Curious? I am.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, the wine’s influence shows up with the support of wild berries (currants, strawberries, gooseberries, cranberries) and a vein between mineral and sulphurous, which is subtended by pastry and white fruit that slowly creeps in among the aromas. Cooked pear, ripe yellow plums, pastry, custard, propolis and nuts (walnuts, almonds) join the aromatic score in continuous counterpoint, with a whiff of mould on the surface. Unrecognisable, deep and intriguing.
In the mouth, it glides with a very pleasant creaminess, with crisp and spicy tones of cloves, paprika and black pepper, embracing the acid/sweet dichotomy of the nose with even more conviction. The interplay of red, yellow and tropical fruits (grapefruit) is perfectly integrated on a soft, warm heart of apple pie, marzipan chocolate, coffee caramel, candied citron and nuts in profusion. A richness diluted by the sulphurous vein that passes under the surface but remains very present, especially along the length.
The finish is quite long and veined of a mineral notes with nuts, coffee, baked cream and red fruit jam.
An astonishing dram, if they wanted to surprise with an unexpected Caol Ila they have succeeded in full: rich, multifaceted, multi-coloured and damn drinkable. The other releases will have to work really hard to keep up…