Caol Ila 13 Year Discovery (Gordon & Macphail)

Very smoky smell, sharp taste with light aftertaste. Notes of apple

Peaty. Strong smoke with delicate sophistication. Fruity but not distracting from the overall character. Good for a celebratory dram. Pleased with this bottle.

OK, so as I climb the smoke ladder this one is a jump for me. Having said that, I spent a decent amount of time getting used to the Aroma. At first just a campfire. But then Apple pie, melon and some grilled pineapple. Flavor is much less Smokey than the Aroma suggested. Honey, pear some grainy cereal notes then a lot of bitterness in the finish.. This is where the smoke lingers. Suddenly a memory came to me from youth. Sore throat spray Chloraseptic. My God that's exactly what it tastes like. The first time I thought to myself that I will eventually climb the ladder to enjoying some Islay selections. The journey continues. (don't have a sore throat today!)

NOSE Salted butter baguette, smoke, honey, vanilla taffy, honeydew, graham, spice, lemon peel. Soft “green” notes pop in and out adding to the interesting character of this whisky. It’s oddly soft for a Caol Ila, but comes across as elegant and refined instead of light. PALATE Salted butter baguette, smoke, honey, vanilla taffy, honeydew, graham, spice, lemon peel, caramel and a light chalkiness. Something different going on here, this G&M Discovery Caol Ila 13 Years kicks up more than you might imagine and pulls together rough Islay and refined pasty style notes and weaves them together. FINISH Long -> Smoke, honey, vanilla, herbal and spice that fades out to a dessert-style profile that just gives and gives. The finish is stunning.

Smells smokier than it tastes, a little spicy but well balanced

A few pours in No water Nose - salty peat (which lessens after starting to sip), apple and raisin sweetness Taste - strong smoke and salt, light hints of sweetness Overall - good example of a peaty whisky, not very complex, but a great general sipper