Caol Ila "Unpeated Style" 18 years 59.8% (refill exbourbon hogsheads)
Picture this: Caol Ila. Now remove the peat. Hard, no? Let’s see. This one was bottled in 2017 for Diageo’s special releases.
Colour Light gold.
Nose A heady attack of citrus peels and their oils. Tea tree oil and eucalyptus. A little vegetal. Very austere, tight. With water, lemon curd and English breakfast tea with milk. Watermelon. Scones with cream. Minerality. Better.
Palate Woah! Caramel comes through, with a big whack of malt. Herbal. With water, some fennel and rockmelon. But emphasis on the sweet, fruits. Very powerful stuff. Full and oily mouthfeel.
Finish Quite hot. White chocolate and lemon peel. Bright. A little oily. Sticks around in your mouth for a long time, giving off all those zesty and citric notes. Eucalyptus. A little woody. Rubber? Very powerful. Very long.
Comments Straightforward and powerful malt. Lemons and herbs and variations thereof. Uncomplicated. Very warming. Really needs water. Length of the finish is a highlight. 88/100.
