Caol Ila Distillery
ABV 46%
The winds blow Caribbean tropics to Islay.
Laura Foster
James Eadie
Brand
8 YearsOld, Small Batch
Expression
Single Malt
Type
8
Age (Years)
2017
Year of Bottling
46%
ABV
Islay
Region/Country
Independent Bottling
Bottling Type
Taster
Nose: A sea breeze carries aromas of lime, desiccated coconuts, pineapples and mango. Peaty, medicinal notes and tarmac keep it in check, with clove and star anise.
Palate: The treats of a five year old: soft ice cream and digestive biscuits with marshmallow and coconut. Tempered by sea salt, medicinal bandages, charcoal and takeaway chopsticks.
Finish: Slightly prickly, as if chopsticks have splintered. Lime water, coconut and peat.
Comment: The winds blow Caribbean tropics to Islay.
Score: 8.2
Taster
Nose: Young but attractive. Floral honey mingles with ashy peat, grapefruit juice and biscuits. Grassy, mossy, damp earth. Brine and boiled pork.
Palate: Bright citrus notes and this sweet, ashy peat balances out rather well. Toffee fudge, honey, some creamy spirit, with all spice and nutmeg. Vanilla to sweeten things.
Finish: Not exactly long, but the ashy peat and sweet honey leave a lovely spicy note.
Comment: An innocent fling of a whisky, but it’s got enough charms to remain in one’s memory.
Score: 7.8
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