Unpeated Caol Ila is one thing we’ve solely seen within the Particular Releases collection. The final unpeated expression I attempted was the 2016 launch. I bear in mind discovering whiffs of smoke in just about all of those unpeated variations.
This yr it returns in an 11 yr previous model. A reasonably eclectic cask distribution (once more): refill casks, rejuvenated casks and rejuvenated ex-wine casks in each American and European oak. The label additionally mentions brief fermentation and cloudy wort, and distillation in partially stuffed stills.
Caol Ila 11 yo ‘Ambrosial Feast’ (57,3%, OB Particular Releases 2024, unpeated, refill + rejuvenated ex-wine casks)
Nostril: pretty shy. It’s malty, with hints of walnuts, peanuts and wooden mud. The wine didn’t depart an enormous mark. Butter cookies with gentle vanilla, together with pepper and dried grassy notes. Then a couple of mineral touches as effectively, which is the one Islay factor I’m getting to date.
Mouth: now stuffed with hazelnuts, toasted almonds and caramelized walnuts. Toffee seems, with nutmeg and clove. Plenty of latte and milk chocolate. Within the distance there’s a lemony notice however that is definitely not a fruity whisky. Then pepper and a pill of bitter chocolate crammed with marzipan. Once more, the wine might be chargeable for the bitterness and a sulphurous contact, however it doesn’t make it overtly vinous.
End: medium size, with baking spice, espresso and wine tannins.
A most sudden Caol Ila, for positive. Very nutty, dipped in wine, however restricted complexity and only a few of the anticipated markers. An unpeated model is meant to be extra refined however the wine wipes all of it out. It leaves you questioning why anybody would insist on presentin this type of whisky throughout the Caol Ila model. Academic whisky, however strategy with warning. Obtainable from Malts.com or retailers like The Whisky Trade or Royal Mile Whiskies.
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