Caol Ila 15 unpeated - Special Release 2018
Photo taken somewhere in the Forrest
This expression is one of the more regular annual special releases of Diageo and was matured in refill and rejuvenated American-oak hogsheads and ex-bodega European oak butts.
Diageo did a great job with the Talisker 8 and the Lagavulin 12 this year. Actually we prefer our Caol Ila Peated, but maybe it will surprise and reveal more of the distillery character.
Nose
The nose is a blast. Green apples, pine needles and mint, all on a sweet backround. There is also lots of vanilla, which indicates a highly active Ex bourbon cask. It's quite simple but just on the point!
With water: Now malted barley comes up with lots of apples.
Palate
Neat: This babe directly hits with a strong, sweet character.
On the second sip it the sweetness increases with a bitter citurs note and a minerality, which is lovely.
With water:
With water the apples turns into cider. The lemons become more pronounced now. Concerning the texture, it delivers a sweet, very dry mouth feel that lingers.
Finish
Very long with a bitter wooden dryness, which brings an interesting astringency in the mouth.
Rating
This caol Ila is not that complex on the palate, but what it does, it does very, very well. But one silly question: Where was the sherry influence? Anyway, didn't really bother me here actually.
