Jose-Massu-Espinel
Caol Ila "The Eagle Has Landed", Apollo 11, The Whisky Barrel Exclusive
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
October 31, 2021 (edited November 1, 2021)
On july 20th, 1969, at The Sea of Tranquility, on the Moon; Neil Armstrong said a famous phrase: "Houston, Tranquility base here, THE EAGLE HAS LANDED".
That one was perhaps the greatest moment for mankind, at least for 6 hours, when Neil Armstrong finally descended from the lunar module and stepped the moon for the first time.
Contrary to some popular belief, humans DID go to the moon, and it wasn't just one time, but six times. This happened during Nasa's Apollo missions, that were honoured by the online whisky retailers, "The Whisky Barrel".
This is my fourth and final review (at least till i manage to find me another bottle) from the Apollo mission bottles, this time an 8yo Caol Ila, at 58.5%abv, called "THE EAGLE HAS LANDED".
On the nose, starts with a nice chocolate fudge aroma, to the release a peat profile. Burnt tires, blood (like when you accidentaly cut yourself and lick the wound), wet clothes, stinky cheeses, pepper spice and grapes. After a first sip, the aroma became more chocolaty. There is this blood aroma, like a juicy medium rare steak. (No, i am not Darkly dreaming Dexter, lol). Herbal, aniseed, Bbq sauce and glazed pork.
On the palate, it is very good. Chocolate and red fruits. Macerated cherries and Cherry syrup. Peat moss and Chilli.
Aftertaste could be better, but it is not bad. Chocolate, bacon, maple. Earthy, coal and ashes. Grassy, burnt hay. Its like smoking from a pipe.
Overall, this is a very good dram, with a gorgeous bottle that tells the most important history about success for mankind. Apollo 11 is an emotional event for anyone who lived it or who has read of it; and this whisky is trying to give you emotions, and it manages to do so. A strong, lovely dram, with minor flaws here and there, but definitively a collectible for space nerds like me. My score for it is a solid 90 over 100. Slàinte!
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