Single Malt
Scotland
14 Aug 2000
15 May 2018
Bourbon
A wonderfully coastal single malt from Caol Ila, independently bottled by Master of Malt (AKA: us). It was distilled on the isle of Islay in August 2000 and allowed to age in bourbon cask for 17 years, before being bottled in May 2018, with nary a thought to giving it some chill-filtration or additional colours.
Kelp in seawater, dried grass and olive brine bring green notes and salinity initially. Smoked bacon and oak char emerge with medicinal elements to add more classic distillery character. Burnt buttered toast, a touch of fresh malt and drying oak come later.
Layered and complex, the palate balances peppercorn spice, wood ash, hickory and bitter herbs at first. Dried citrus peels add bite with crystallised ginger. There’s even a touch of black liquorice and anise.
Slightly astringent with a finishing touch of grassy peat.
Caol Ila as you know it with a few twists. Sit with it and watch it unfold.
