Over to Islay for some young Caol Ila. Distilled in June of 2010, this whisky has matured for 7 years in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead. Peated profile.
Nose: Pungent and coastal. Dusty and slightly chalky peat smoke is immediate – smoked fish, coastal air, seaweed and a touch of iodine follow. These are all wrapped up nicely in freshly squeezed lemons and a touch of earthy musk. Dilution with water dulls the pungent smoking at touch and adds some light bakery notes – freshly cooked croissants.
Taste: Sweet fruity peat. Slightly less chalky than on the nose, but still quite fireplace – smouldering logs sitting on ashy cinders and coal dust. Lemons are in play still and are both sweet and juicy – they’re tempered by a real earthiness and a touch of barnyard in the background. Water really enhances the fruity elements of this whisky – adding apple and pear juices into the mix.
Finish: Medium to long and packed full of sharp lemon-tinged dusty smoke.
A powerful dusty and ashy Caol Ila lifted by some lovely citrus flavour. This takes water exceptionally well and only needs a few drops to open up right up. Youthful whisky done right.