A wonderfully balanced expression from the core Caol Ila range, this 18 year old is malty and thick with notes of Caol Ila smoke and phenols, a lovely Islay single malt without extreme levels of peat.
Aromatic, darkness. Herbal, vegetal. Grassy, creamy malt.
Big, refined sweetness, leafy. Well integrated oak, smoke, oily, peat. Barley.
Long, herbal notes, gentle smoke, soft peat. Oily wood.
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This is a great well-rounded scotch. The nose is simply excellent. Not as smoky as the 12 year old, with a bit more citrus. My favorite note in it is the campfire that felt really present. It has elements of citrus as well that are outstanding and subtle. Read the rest of my review here: http://www.tastersclubwhiskeyofthemonth.com/blog/2012/07/25/caol-ila-18-year-2/
I really support the previous comments, especially from "the taste of ordinance"(disregarding the 'man's drink' bit) but I know what he means. Some Islay drams are more floral, some more phenolic and/or oily,and a spectrum between. But this is definitely somehow industrial strength Islay. Not as coarse as some, and not dominated by peat, this has a big complex nose and oily massive great mouth to match, with a spicy bitter cordite hint. I really think this is the best Caol Isla I have tasted by a long way. Glorious stuff.
this whiskey smells of grease and oil and tastes of the maintenance man's dream. Burnt powder and over heating of break linings. A man's drink.
I really like this one, it´s so smooth and the nose is fantastic. Compared to the 12Y this is less smoky and not as rough. Excellent stuff!
The best Caol Ila in the range. I mean....wow! Buy this and judge for yourself. Way to go, Diageo!
