Caol Ila 18 Year

As a Peat lover, I was curious to taste something from Coal Ila. At a mini-tasting, my cousin let me try and blind tast the 18 year old, along with the Kilchoman Long Gorm, and the Ardbeg 10. Knowing the Ardbeg already , it was quite easy to deduct which one was the Coal Ila: the youth of the Kilchoman showed through quite obviously (see also it’s own review soon). The Coal Ila 18 was a fine dram, but to be honest, I was a bit disappointed by the modest amount of smoke. Again, not a bad whisky, but I guess the long maturation subdues a bit of the character I expected. Perhaps the 12 year old holds up a bit better?

Lightly peated, with cooked fruit and pipe tobacco notes on the nose. Sweet, smoky and slightly herbaceous notes on the palate despite a weak mouthful. Fairly long and spicy finish. Overall a balanced whisky, but not a remarkable one for me.