Review #008 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 53.2% Comments: aged 16 years, cask types not defined Tasted after: Caol Ila 18 Year Appearance (no score): Pale gold color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 Smoke, candied lemon peels, ocean spray, and a trace of tire rubber. Palate: 35/40 Green apples, grilled smoky pork chops, pimento stuffed green olives, and a hint of the citrusy-sour flavor your get from a fresh squeezed lime. Listing these flavors out, I wouldn’t assume they’d mesh nicely together nicely, but surprisingly they do. Finish: 36/40 The texture seems to become more oily in the finish. The smokey flavor kicks it up a notch at the exact same time that vanilla and a peppery spiciness appear (which immediately brought to mind ex-bourbon casks). There’s just the right amount of ethanol burn throughout before ending on a smooth and briny note. With Water: A drop of water will go a long way with dulling the alcohol flavor, almost gives it a creamier feel in the mouth, but also increases the saltiness of the finish. Total: 87/100 Final thoughts: This is the first cask-strength Caol Ila I’ve tried, and I’m very pleased with it. Price: £95 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes 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.