Caol Ila Distillery Exclusive Bottled in 2018 - 57.4%
This Caol Ila Distillery Exclusive has been developed by the vatting of a selection of refill, first-fill Kentucky Bourbon barrels with specially-charred Californian Red Wine Casks. Bottled at a natural cask strength of 57.4% as a limited release of 6000 bottles.
Tasting notes:
Appearance: Old gold, forms a thick line which falls slowly as thick, oily legs.
Nose: Sweet peat smoke, strawberry laces, raspberry, lemon citrus, vanilla cream and caramel sauce are joined by a coastal salinity and a mild dunnage mustiness. With a few drops of water the peat increases a little, becoming more medicinal.
Palate: Thick, oily mouthfeel becoming creamier with time in the mouth. Red berry jam, in particular strawberries and raspberries, is first to the party before being joined by sweet vanilla and salted caramel. Ashy bonfire peat, drying woody oak and coastal brine follow quickly and provide the most dominant notes. Finally heat, in the form chilli and black pepper, kicks in. A few drops of water bring out more red berries and reveals lemon citrus and green apple notes whilst allowing the medicinal character of the peat to come to the fore.
Finish: Tannic oak astringency, together with maritime salt and chilli heat.
Summary: A real ‘Marmite’ dram, and very much an atypical Caol Ila whisky. The influence of the red wine casks is apparent but fleeting, with a major emphasis on the coastal element and the wood itself. It’s different, it’s certainly unusual and that sudden switch from jammy sweetness to sea spray salinity keeps the attention and challenges the palate. The heat and astringency of the finish add another dimension and seem to add to the saltiness.
Addition of a little water brings more complexity and balance, and goes some way to tempering the spice and allowing the smoky character to develop. For me though, the one area that lets this whisky down is the level of tannic astringency in the finish. Whilst I enjoy a little dryness, the combination of this astringency with saltiness and spice was a little too much to be truly enjoyable.
