Caol Ila 2007-2020 - The single Cask - Bottled for the Northern Whisky Society (Israel) - 55,7%
Picture taken somewhere in Stuttgart
The Northern Whisky Society is one of the biggest whisky clubs in Israel, populated by plenty of super passionated geeks who spend day and night exploring and researching this wonderful spirit called whisky. People, we share a deep friendship with. That single cask was bottled in celebration of their three years anniversary. You can expect full objectivity (in case something like this exists in terms of taste). Isn't it true that you have your harshest critics within your family and friends?
Nose
Halleluia! When life gives you lemons, you propably have Caol Ila in your glass (or Lagavulin)! It's a whole essential oils boutique, packed with refreshing citrus oils like bergamots, grapefruits, limes and lemons! The striking freshness is complemented by a heavy iodine and salt note, leaving absolutely no doubt about the hebridean origin of this dram. But the Ex-Bourbon Cask maturarion also delivers notes of sweet vanilla pastries and fresh bread.
With water: Now, some new leather steps out, slightly but noticable. It's not the most complex fellow, but straight to the point.
Palate
We are home dear friends. A heavy and super oily wave of Islay is rolling over the palatte, without any sharpness or sign of youth. Even with cask strength, it's perfectly balanced and dangerously delicate. Like chewing a salty vanilla cake with rasped lemon cests and drinking a few drops of iodine afterwards.
With water: Pure oil now. Runs down the throat like silk, coating everything with citrus and sea water.
Finish
The Islay symphony ends with a long outro of grapefruit peels, rubber and seaspray. Let's have another one.
Rating
Hard to critizice this fellow. After comparing it with the Signatory Caol Ila we reviewed in 2019, today's cask slightly wins due to a greater balance and delicateness. It's not really complex, but that super fresh, citrus forward experience was like a travel to the core of the distillery. What a choice, when we consider the fair price tag! Kudos and thank you to our friends in Israel for this short trip to Islay!
