Tastes

Thick creamy vanilla that is interlaced with spice. Mouthfeel is coating and pleasant. Medium to long finish that keep you coming back for another sip. For the price point being under $50, this bottle is an absolute steal and I will be keeping it on the shelf.

Your brain tells you Islay but it’s from the Isle of Mull. Sweet, dark fruit upfront on the palate gives way to layered peat smoke that is intense but rounded. Think peppered bacon sandwiched between blackberry jellied toast. This will be a go-to dram in my lineup and it holds its own against Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig 10. As a matter of fact, it may just be better than both. Outstanding bottle.

I’ll take my peat with a side of peat please. On the nose this Caol Ila expression sings maritime hymns that would make any Atlantic pirate feel right at home. However, on the palate this dram sings one note only and does nothing to express itself beyond the salty sea. Not enough sweetness to cut the peat, only a touch of smoke to let you know it’s remotely there. The finish is much hotter and shorter than that of a well-manicured 12-year old whisky. Worth a try but nothing to get all giddy about, unless you love gargling sea-water.

On the nose picture waves crashing against the rocky coast as you sit there eating eating a caramel apple on the shore. The nose is classic Laphroiag, though there is a subtle hint of sweetness that draws you in ever so close. On the palate, this dram wraps its smoked fish arms right around you as it tucks you away with dreams of sweet salt water taffy on the finish. Excellent.

Upon first nose this seductive dram pulls you in with a soft tease of maritime peat and caramel, only to arrive at a deep, rich date note with a kiss of smoke on the finish. This is not a hard-puncher of a dram, rather a good old friend you can spend the day with. Cozy up.