Smoky Scot

Caol Ila on a budget! Nose: Overwhelmingly, yet surprisingly smoothly smoky and peaty. Some citrus and medicinal notes break through next, followed by a light hint of menthol. Quite mellow for only 5 years at 46 ABV. Taste: Heavy smoke, peat and brine. Plenty of seaweed and medicinal notes in here, which is exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to Islay. Citrus and menthol are there too for a refreshing change of notes. Somehow this is all surprisingly smooth for its young age and ABV. Adding a splash of water seems to be the right choice here though, as it makes the dram feel all the more balanced. Finish: Fairly long and just right for a young peated malt like this. Smoke, peat and brine whirl into citrus and menthol right at the end. Brine lingers for a while. Final thoughts: I really couldn't find a better option to get into Caol Ila on a budget than this whisky. It pretty much ticks all the boxes when it comes to Islay. I just wish this release was more readily available, as it's really not that easy to get hold of. I might have to hold on to my last bottle for a while.