Caol Ila 12 Year

Inexplicably continuing my hot-weather peated scotch tasting this evening with Caol Ila, which I've not had in some time and have also not reviewed. Presents a golden hue not unlike Chardonnay. But that's where the familiarity ends: there is some pear, tangerine, and saline in concert with gently smoky peat on the nose. More smokiness sits atop a creamy mouthfeel with some additional sweetness, like crème brûlée. Finishes with some smoke, additional sweetness, and a bitter chary note. 3.75 on the Distiller scale. Caol Ila pales in comparison to the ostentatiousness of its bigger Islay brothers, but its delicacy allows it to maintain a niche both as a standalone single-malt and a blending component of Johnnie Walker. 43% ABV. N.B.: All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

Peaty and smoky, nice