Caol Ila 10 Year Old Feis Ile 2018

Caol Ila released a 22 years old malt for Feis Ile 2019, but despite my shout out on social media, I have not (yet) been able to get one. Last year, my buddy Manny was on Islay, so I knew that the Feis Ile 2018 release – a Caol Ila 10 Year Old – would find its way to Ghent. It is a vatting of 8 casks: Refill American Oak Hogsheads and Rejuvenated European Oak Butts – whatever that means. Pierrick Guillaume, the French Master Distiller, selected the cask himself.

The nose is soft and sweet on… baby breath, apples and honey. After that I get maritime notes typical for Caol Ila: seaweeds, salt water and peat smoke. A lovely hint of crab and green tea. I had heard through the grapevine that this one would be less than usual, but I think that is absolutely unwarranted. This is wonderful.

Perfectly oily with the maritime notes up front: peat smoke (and lots of it), seaweeds, brackish water, fresh oysters with lime juice and black pepper. Then some citrus and young apples. The alcohol is perfectly integrated. An extra sweet note in the guise of honey and peach. Hint of pineapples. Very nice.

The finish is not too long, admittedly, but remains smoky sweet on citrus fruit with a hint of banana.

What a hunk! I’m glad I have two more bottles available.

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