Caol Ila 2014

Bottled at traditional 100 UK Proof to preserve its robustness, this Islay malt is one of the most full bodied, juicy and aromatic ones we have met in recent times. Its powerful attitude comes from a unique combination of intense peat smoke, malty character and creamy sweetness from the bourbon casks. At the nose it’s darkly smoky and tarry, but also rich with balsamic overtones: a touch of camphor and resin, probably from the oak, and then of course the unmistakeable whiff of seaspray that makes it so coastal. The influence from the bourbon casks actually translates at the palate into a muscular character, a certain mouth-coating quality, rather than plain and simple sweetness or notes of vanilla. Again, it’s very smoky, tarry and aromatic: pine needles, and liquorice too. A really bold peated whisky.