Bill-Shannon
Caol Ila 12 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
April 10, 2020 (edited January 25, 2021)
A 200 ml bottle in a three-pack. The nose is fusel alcohol, blacktop tar, charcoal and leather furniture. The peat is definitely a factor, with just a wisp of salty Butterscotch. Definitely a medicinal/band-aid soft plastic component. A hint of dark berry. Flowery perfume second wave in the nose. The aroma of this is crazy complex.
The taste is earthy peat, like a black soil mouthwash. In the way down the gullet you get hot coals and campfire soot. A black peppery character hits the sides of the tongue, followed by more charcoal ashes. There is definitely an element of "babysick" as the Scottish call it.
There is some softer, sweeter secondary notes: butterscotch, caramel, a touch of plum.
The finish is ashes: charcoal briquettes, campfire residue. There is a puckery, tannic element if you sit with it for long enough. Caol Ila is an absolute joy to drink.
25.0
USD
per
Bottle
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