Caol Ila 12 Year Old 2000 James MacArthur

This cask strength bottling under the Old Master’s label was released in 2012 by the independent bottler James MacArthur. It is very, very pale.

The nose is typical Caol Ila. And that is always a good thing. Creosote and ashes with some seaweeds on the one hand, while sweet fruit in the shape of pears and baked apples counter foots this on the other. Barely and spices to speak of bar maybe some ginger.

On the palate, a big dose of peat put us back in our place. Pepper, ginger and oak speak loudly now, before fading to offer the footlight to the sweetness. The sweetness in this case is white fruit, but also quite some vanilla and even a bit of honey. The coastal elements are relatively silent.

The long finish remains sweet, but well spiced.

Classic, albeit rather sweet Caol Ila. My kind of dram.

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