Stop number 57 on the SDT is Caol Ila. This Islay distillery produces a massive 6.5 million liters of whisky per year (more than any other Islay distillery), 95% of which is destined to be used in Johnnie Walker blends. The other 5% is released as single malt scotch. Caol Ila shares the same DNA as Lagavulin. They use the same barley, peated to the same 35ppm. The only differences are the stills and the casks. This 12 year old is bottled at 43%, is chill filtered and has colorant added making it a golden straw color. The nose starts off with sweet peat smoke, not overpowering at 35ppm, but not exactly light by any means. Grilled lemons and lovely vanilla buttercream frosting. Salty seaweed and brine. Lightly toasted oak, slightly marshmallowy with a light sherry feel. Citrus and orchard fruits, apricots, pears and a faint key lime. After some time in the glass more savory notes appear. BBQ meats, smoked brisket with an orange peel garnish. New leather and sweet pipe tobacco. White chocolate covered pretzels. Slightly medicinal with iodine and bandaids, but nothing on the level of a Laphroaig. To quote John Cleese, oh yes, it’s very nice. The palate is a little less complex than the nose, but no less enjoyable. Smoke and damp ashes. Charred meats, smoky BBQ sauce. Orange peel, olive brine and pepper. A light lemony note and dried apricots. A little of that medicinal note creeps in towards the end. Classic Islay in every way. A medium bodied mouthfeel that is creamy and mouthwatering. The finish is long, smoky, ashy, dry and becomes slightly bitter. After shoveling 4 inches of snow, then doing it again because another inch had fallen in that time, a nice smoky Islay was just what the doctor ordered tonight. When I first tried this one I was worried because all I got was smoke and lemons. Glad I gave it a few weeks time to oxidize a little as it brought out all those classic Islay characteristics. Sweeter than most of its south coast brethren, but no less part of the same family. Bought this 1L bottle at duty free for $62 which makes it a very good value for money. Were it not for the bitterness in the finish I would have easily given a 4.25, but as is it’s a strong 4. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go shovel another 3 inches. Cheers