Caol Ila 25 - 43%

 

From the Diageo website

Introduced in 2010, after cask strength versions in 2004 and 2005, this is the first officially-bottled Caol Ila 25yo to be bottled at 43%. This is a very welcome addition to the official range, with a rich, gentle mouthfeel and restrained, coal-esque phenols.

Tasting notes: 

Appearance: Honey gold, forms a thick line which gradually breaks and falls as thick, oily legs.

Nose: Salty sea breeze and beachside barbecues with an oily rag thrown onto the fire for good measure. Honey glazed meats, lemon zest and caramel toffees.

Palate: Fizzy sherbet lemon sweets, roasted stone fruits, Werthers Original toffees, old polished leather and a mild grassiness. A touch of ginger and black pepper bring a little spicy warmth. The peat smoke is subtle and acts more as a support act than a main character. 

Finish: That soft, sweet and slightly dirty peat smoke makes a welcome reappearance, lingering on the palate with a touch of lemon citrus.

Summary: Refined and elegant with a long, lingering finish that makes you smile. That said, for all its good points, you can’t help thinking that a higher abv would be a far more interesting proposition.

A huge thanks goes to Paul @pswhisky for the opportunity to try some incredible whiskies on this tasting session. If you’re not already following him on Twitter, I would highly recommend it together with checking out his website.