Signatory Vintage Caol Ila

Purchased on a lark at ABC, this just looked like something different in the $65 range. Tasted from a glencairn after a rest, the bottle is on its last 20% after being open about 5 months. I've been enjoying this enough. The pour is pale straw color with thin legs. The nose is classic Islay somewhat muted. Iodine and seaweed, slight peat and ashy smoke, sweet grains and roasted ham. Overall this is right down the Caol Ila middle with its familiar echoes in Johnnie Walker. I like this better than the Ardbeg Wee Beastie, it's a lot more integrated. The Wee Beastie has similar sweetness but its disconnected from the maritime and bonfire elements. Here the Caol Ila holds it together and its very silky. I liked this as a blender with some other whiskies. It's good neat, of course, but not excellent. At a similar price I think Ardbeg 10, Port Charlotte 12 or standard Caol Ila 12 are all superior. This could have been something special at a slightly higher proof, but as it is its a solid scotch for its sub $70 price but it doesn't stand out enough to get another invitation to my liquor closet.