Gold Medal at Malt Maniacs Awards 2015
Gold Medal at Milano Whisky Festival 2015
Following the two rare Oloroso-matured bottlings of Caol Ila from two years ago, this new older edition is even more refined. Five years in second fill casks have accomplished once again a daring marriage of intense peat and sherry, perfectly integrated. It’s bold, stormy, dark and immensely juicy. Heavy notes of tobacco and old leather at the nose, plus bitter chocolate, define the contribution of the sherry. On the palate it’s clearly a big Islay whisky (smoke, tar, liquorice, a certain saltiness) but at the same time it’s made richer and “amplified” by notes of walnut liqueur and red unsweetened cherries. Camphor, orange marmalade and aromatic herbs complete the scenario. A refined and intense malt, unique in its traditional but nowadays very rare style.
