Review #006 Proof: 43% Comments: aged 13 years, ex-bourbon maturation Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Pale gold color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 14/20 Smoke and green pears dominate, need to really search for more, eventually reveals some green bananas and maybe a little honey. Sweeter on the nose than other offerings I’ve had from Caol Ila. Palate: 33/40 There’s a unique buttery flavor which reminds me of Glenmorangie Signet, it mixes nicely with the smokey peat, there’s also some grapefruit and vanilla. Finish: 32/40 Long finish, citrus flavor slowly intensifies though out, big bourbon spice, also get some Honey Nut Cheerios which transitions into an ashiness and ends with a brief salty ethanol burn. With Water: A drop of water brings out additional honey sweetness. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: Spent a lot longer on this one than I originally intended trying to get the nose and flavors right, was a bit tricky to unwrap them. Overall a nice and easy drinking dram, you need to search for the complexity, I’ll enjoy finishing this bottle but for the price point I purchased it at I’m unlikely to replace it once it’s empty. Price: $80 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: no Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.