Caol Ila 2014

A particularly sweet version of this timeless Islay malt, young but made rounded and juicy by the use of very active custom-made bourbon hogsheads, which imparted a surprisingly early maturity. At the nose, it’s strikingly medicinal: unmistakeably peaty, but also with a pleasantly sweet and sour character of white-fleshed fruits. There’s also a distinctly aromatic note: balsamic, with hints of mint and camphor. Very smoky, and at the same time quite sunny. The influence of the very expressive bourbon casks is even more evident in the taste: creamy, sweet, full of lovely vanilla and bananas. Not in a fat, thick or heavy way, though: on the contrary, still very lively and agile. Lots of ash and chimney smoke, but also ripe lemon peel, and a final blast of white pepper.