Caol Ila 15 Year Old is the first of thirteen annual releases in a unique series of unpeated whiskies. This single malt was matured in refill and rejuvenated American Oak hogsheads and European Oak ex-bodega butts. An exceptionally grown-up whisky with with a smooth, sweet minty-salty taste, a spicy hear and a huge, long finish.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep gold, with light beading.
Body: Dense, firm. Viscous.
Nose: A mild nose-feel, despite the strength. Relaxed, with gently rising waves of deeply fruity sharpness; green apples and a hint of orange zest. Pear-drop sweetness and biscuity cereals sit against a distant backdrop of soft vanilla with a whiff of sea-salt; a vanilla sponge cake enjoyed on the beach.
Palate: Cool and viscous, with a surprisingly mild mouthfeel and at first a sweet, minty-salty taste. A massive freezing heat then establishes itself, packed with notes of resinous liquorice; clear honey, pine resin, salt and lemon. Mid-palate, fresh peach. Exquisitely coating and firm, oily yet drying.
Finish: Huge, long, persistent and warming, with some spice; aniseed, liquorice, honey, and lemon zest. Superbly coating, with dark chocolate bitterness and a late pungency.
