Caol Ila 2011

A particularly clean and fresh Caol Ila, blessed by the ideal level of peat to satisfy all lovers of Islay malts but at the same time without being overpowering or suited only to those palates which are accustomed to the most extreme smokiness. On the contrary, it allows the quality of the distillate to shine through with its subtle aromas. At the nose it is peaty and maritime, but delicate and showing crisp lemony and grassy aromas. The palate is surprisingly rounded, the smoke never dominating the notes of ripe lemons, the fragrant taste of white wine (some buttery Californian Chardonnay) and the soft malty sweetness in the background. Young and easy, medicinal and intense, but soft bodied, already quite mature and full of character.