Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve (2013 Special Release)

Some smoke. Fairly smooth. I Missed the peat

Executive summary: This is a damn fine scotch. Long version: Lovely scents - citrus and light and fruity and warm and strong! If I had ever theoretically poured a glass to take with me to a neighbors house down the road, then I would bet (pretty positively) that the fragrance would reach your nose from way down in its cozy little cup holder and fill the car with an amazing combination of scents. And the flavors are lovely - woody and smooth. Some hints of crisp apple and honey - its unpeated but has a nice smoky finish that sticks around. Also, a heads up that it's cask strength (59.6% ABV) but doesn't have a harsh burn. Don't get me wrong - it has a nice kick - but the alcohol is subtle in the same way a huge guy in a suit, sitting at a table at a well known Italian restaurant/mob hangout, with a gun peeking out of his coat is subtle. You know he's there. He knows you know he's there. But no need for him to make a spectacle of himself. Ladies and gentlemen - this is Barry White meets Isaac Hayes. This is whisky - as in dimly lit rooms, leather chairs, really good friends, and cigar smoke whisky. The taste lingers, kind of like the way an old girlfriend's perfume scent always seemed to hang around on the sheets long after she'd left the next morning. And that's how you should enjoy it. Slow and lovingly. Sit back and relax because this scotch is fun to spend time with. I drink this one every once in awhile to remind me what right tastes like.

Nose is bright fruit, citrus, and a hint of smoldering seaweed ash. Palate is chewy, oily, & vicious with a slightly sour, yeasty note that melds into the tropical fruit. Finish is beautiful, long, reminiscent of smoke, with a salty brine to it.

pine. pineapple. cedar.