Matured: 1993 to 2006. Finished in Moscatel Casks.
As a dedicated acolyte of the Lagavulin's pungent smokiness, the Caol Ila (pronounced like "Cull Eel", my whiskey book tells me) is a wonderfully similar yet distinct flavour experience. This expression - a 1993 Distiller's Edition, is a rare and delightful introduction to this exceptional Islay malt.
It starts with a strong, iodine nose, universally identified by our group as reminiscent of chlorine. This may not sound pleasant at first, but trust me: enjoy it on a summer evening outdoors and let the Proustian association with swimming pools and lazy days in the sun come alive. This hot, medicinal scent gives way to peat, salty sea spray, and smoke.
The palate is equally complex. The smooth, oily feel reveals notes of heather beneath spice, with lots dry peat and smoky, earthy overtones, medicinal vapours, and a slight malty sweetness at the end.
This is a somewhat challenging Scotch. It is deeply peaty, strong and pungent. Those who prefer their scotch on the malty side may find it heady and over-strong. For my taste, however, it is everything a great single malt should be. It captures the rich peaty essence and heat that I look for without approaching Cask Strength levels of alcohol. That means it is best sampled neat. Leave the ice or water for lesser mortals.
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Did you know?
Moscatel is the Portuguese variation of the French grape Muscat!