Caol Ila Caol Ila Ambrosial Feast11 Year Old Special Releases 2024 57.3% 70cl

The classic Islay distillery but not as you know it. This 11-year-old, matured in both American and European oak casks, is unpeated. Instead of the stormy intensity, you get the impression of Islay on a sunny day. There are nutty, cereal notes, alongside a whole heap of orchard fruits, and even an inviting cream cheese dimension. A real must-taste for curious Islay lovers.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: A mellow nose, light in feel. Unexpectedly mild, with unusual nutty-spicy top notes that together suggest an old fashioned dairy, with a creamy cheese being made, open milk pans, and just a trace of cleanliness; the last aroma is the only real hint that this might be Caol Ila, for there are no obvious carbolic or smoky notes. A little water sweetens the nose, bringing up a light hint of fruit. All in all, intriguing.

Palate: Smoothly creamy and mouth-filling in texture and overall, sweetly rich to taste, while at the same time notably fruity and nutty in style, developing a peppery warmth. Different in this way to other unpeated Caol Ila, which can be crisp and grassy. Lightly tannic and drying overall, with an oaky spiciness, this is a truly unusual and beautifully textured malt with layers of fruity, nutty flavour. It is enjoyable at its natural strength, while a dash of water brings out more of the creamy, rich smoothness and emphasises the fruitiness.

Finish: Of a good length, again nutty, finishing dry and with a pinch of warming spice that carries on in the aftertaste. Similar, though shorter, with a drop of water.