Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 54.9%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon first fill
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Diageo
Average price: € 145.00
Official website: www.malts.com
I continue my (virtual) journey on Islay by tasting a Caol Ila Handfilled, available only at the distillery. A blend of different casks, all ex-bourbon first fill, capable of filling 300 bottles, sold at the not inconsiderable price of £130 each.
Tasting Notes
The colour is gold.
The very first encounter on the nose, needless to say, is with Caol Ila peat, at times cigarette smoke, at times burnt wood. The fruity component alternates between yellow apple and pear, while butter biscuits served on an ashtray (not exactly etiquette) and vanilla remain a step behind in terms of intensity. With a few drops of water, the dram “rounds out”, amplifying the vanilla, bringing a note of shortcrust pastry to the fore and raising the volume of a balsamic scent that was previously whispering in the background.
On the palate, the alcohol content immediately pushes forward and, together with a generous sprinkling of pepper, gives the peat a relief that gradually fades as the seconds pass. The citrusy twist of lemon zest is accompanied by another touch of shortbread. With water, the aromatic range is greatly enriched: vanilla, yellow apple, pear and coffee powder.
The finish is long, as is usual for Caol Ila, with a hint of pepper and coffee powder and a temptation of the ever-present shortbread.
Review: A textbook Caol Ila, far removed from certain bizarre experiments so fashionable in recent times and not always rewarded by public approval, which, in its “nakedness”, can certainly satisfy the most uncompromising fans.
Vote: 87/100