Caol Ila Cask Strength

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 50 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose A mix of damp wood and peat. An earthy scent. Thick smoke, hoovering low. Fainter aromas shine through BBQ flavoured crisps, a big floral note, nutty hints. Opens on creosote. Palate Sweet, malty, smoky. Soot quickly stick to the tastebuds. The sweetness tames down the high strength. A burst of spices. Finish Drier but smooth. Spicy and slightly sooty. Comment Wood shows up more. Smoke is heavier and less sea-sprayed than the Bowmore.

Dave Broom Nose Crisp and punchy. Sweet grass, dry smoke. Lit kindling, peppered smoked mackerel. Behind is a perfumed juniper note. Light oily/fatty notes. Palate Quite light, sweet to begin, then a peppery note. Smoke starts to ramp up, dominating the back palate. Marine character, bacon fat, given a lift by light grassiness. Finish Cereal and smoke. Rooty. Comment Peat has the upper hand, oilier than these other youngsters.