Caol Ila 18 Year

Hovering above the glass, a delicate peat smoke really lets the essence of Islay shine through. A soft ocean breeze is mixed with farmland scents of fresh cut hay and nearby livestock. Descending further, the malt predominates accompanied by honeyed vanilla and a swirl of fruitiness. Very pleased to this point, a spin of the glass and its light gold spirit reveals viscous, hard forming legs. Wow, the ferry is pulling into Port Askaig, and I can’t wait to disembark into the arms of the Caol Ila distillery only furlongs away. The first taste of sweet vanilla, however, is suddenly interrupted by a loud crash into a nearby reef. The welcoming shore beckons, yet here we are manning the lifeboats for what will be a harsh and bitter finish to an otherwise pleasant journey now peppered in disappointment. Already watered to 43% ABV, I didn’t bother to know what more would bring. Dismayed, I pulled out Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible only to see a meager rating of 80 for the 18yo; whereas, he rated the 30yo at 96.5. I remember liking a bottle of Caol Ila 12yo many moons ago, so I’m glad this was only a sample from the Whisky Exchange. An excellent nose marks this one at 3.25 stars.

Peat. Lemon. Wine. Incense.