Caol Ila Distillers Edition

(Double Matured in Moscatel Oak Wood: Distilled 2006/Bottled In 2017). Perhaps, there is a legitimate reason to say that this particular version of Distillers' Edition is quite clear and comprehensible in a way of its intentions but it still is enjoyable as hell. Perfectly balanced, powerful, yet quite opposite to fierceful in terms of peat and smoke. To the nose: apart from the strong general peatiness, iodine, smoke and medicinal tones there are many pleasing upper notes of ripe tropical fruits, sweet citruses, lemon pie, lollipops, yellow pear, peach jam; and also quite a few spicy nuances which include cinnamon, cardamom, a little bit of vanilla and ginger. To the palate: smoky ashes again, light citruses, phenolic notes quickly fade to some secondary tones of bursting spices like cayenne pepper and heavy fruits; light but pronounced honey and caramel in the background, Juicy Fruit bubblegum. The aftertaste develops much through time and lasts long enough to highlight its perks once again: bold peat, light malty/grain bitterness, citruses, raisins, many spices like cloves, nutmeg, anise and cinnamon, unused oak. To sum up, CIDE appears to be a gentle and delicate whisky in a sense. Probably all due to the post-Moscatel oak barrels, what makes him versatile and light (comparing it to sherry-finished Islay whiskies).