Caol Ila 12 Year Fèis Ìle 2021

Review #101 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 57% Comments: aged 12 years, finished in ex-Moscatel wine casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Russet color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, it starts to bead up quickly but legs are slow to form. Nose: 16/20 The peat smoke takes center stage, but is has an interesting damp quality to it, more like a camp fire that you’ve just doused with water. This is accompanied by an earthy aroma which reminds me of raking wet leaves, along with with sweet honey, grapefruit citrus, and a wisp of something metallic. It’s sort of all over the place, but I like how it comes together. Palate: 34/40 Very juicy and sweet, with and nice creamy mouthfeel and minimal alcohol burn for the high ABV. Honey, juicy grapefruit, vanilla, dried apricots, green tea, and a dash of white pepper. Finish: 33/40 Long finish. Immediately it transitions to reveal peat smoke and ashes, accompanied by sea salt and oak spice. As these fade, subtle flavors of honey, ginger, and licorice emerge, then slowly fading to cinnamon and ending on a semi-dry note. With Water: A few drops of water changes the earthy aroma, now instead of raking wet leaves I’m planting fresh flowers. There’s also a little extra salinity added to the finish. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: This is a really enjoyable Coal Ila expression, substantially more complex and full flavored than the standard 12 year, but also approachable and an easy-sipper. Price: £133 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

Beautiful balance of Moscatel sweetness with sweet smoke of Caol Ila. Nose: Vanilla, Smoke, Bacon, Elderflower, Sultanas, Oranges, Honey, Walnuts, Figs, Salted Toffee, Dark Chocolate, Cherries, Burnt Marshmallows, Salted Cod Palate: Raisins, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Cherries, Dates, Salted Cod, Smoke, Iodine, Pork Ribs, Prunes, Figs Finish: Honey, Oranges, Walnuts, Dark Chocolate, Pork, Sultanas, Salted Caramel, Peaches, Salted Cod, Iodine

The elevated strength delivers a delightful concentrated punch of Caol Ila peat, while the Moscatel cask finish adds a sweet top note. The sweetness isn’t cloying over the course of a half-ounce pour, but it’s a finely balanced affair that could nudge this whisky a half-point either way over the course of a bigger dram.

N : smoke, bacon, P : orange cake, salt F : Smoke, cigarrett