Caol Ila 2010 11 Year Old Single Cask No. 103 (Signatory)

Review #066 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 57% Comments: aged 11 years, matured in refill hogsheads then married in a fresh sherry butt and finished for 20 months Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): Old oak color. Swirling reveals a thin line sticking to the side of the glass, legs are slow to form. Nose: 18/20 Peaty and ashy, sweet and savory. Smoky barbecue, candied bacon, chocolate covered cherries, apricots, and vanilla. Palate: 35/40 On the first sip, I’m greeted by heavy smoke, but it’s sweet. Driving deeper there’s dark berries, sooty ashes, orange zest, black pepper, and a little honey. Finish: 37/40 Medium-long finish. This is exceptionally well layered, whereas there’s a transformation of flavors lingering on your palate, while throughout there’s also a definitive sooty and ashy undertone which remains consistent. It starts of sweet with plumbs and honey, becomes a bit savory with hints of candied bacon, then a bit bitter with dark chocolate and coffee grounds, ending on a mildly salty and slightly maritime note, yet also filthy with wet ashes and a bit of tar. Absolutely terrific! With Water: A few drops of water didn’t alter this much, only bringing out a little additional citrus on the palate, maybe a drop of lemon juice? Total: 90/100 Final thoughts: I really enjoy IB Caol Ila releases. It’s such a dynamic and fantastic spirit that takes so well to so many wood type finishes, but I’ve got a soft spot for a good sherry finish especially. This bottle is a fantastic representation of exactly that. It’s been a real treat to savor and will leave behind big shoes to fill on my shelf. Price: £90 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.