Berry's Own Selection Caol Ila 1996

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 58 by Dave Broom and Arthur Motley.

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Tasting Notes

Dave Broom Nose Aromatic and fresh with, initially, a touch of the dentist’s surgery, then linden tree blossom. In time it conjures up an image of chewing a grass stalk next to a dying bonfire as someone passes you an oakcake with smoked mackerel pate on it. Palate Well balanced. The peat slides through the germoline. Sweet mid-palate with light grassiness. Finish A little short. Comment Intense and in character. A fairly simple Caol Ila but a goody.

Arthur Motley Nose Grape juice carbolic, vanilla pannacotta and chocolate limes. With more time an intense earthiness comes through, with moss and seaweed thrown in. Palate Earth, spice and vanilla. Smoked fish rolled in ash. A little simple, and too dominated by that earthy, sphagnum character. Finish Peppercorn spice. Comment Distinctive, and not the usual Caol Ila, and Talisker fans should find this one fun.