Caol Ila 12 Year Old

I don't have a huge amount of experience with Islay Whiskys, but based on the more traditional flavor profiles I've experienced (Laphroaig and Ardbeg) this one was a surprise.

The nose starts out all wood smoke, but if you hang around long enough there is a quick acid bite followed by a sweetness, like biting into a mandarin orange.

The taste is similar to the nose but without as strong of a woodsmoke hit. It is sweeter than I would expect, but not sugary sweet, more like an overripe plum or apricot. a bit more of the smoke, this time with a bit of a tarry quality comes in towards the end.

This has a good medium body that drinks very smooth. It is slightly oily but doesn't hang around and finishes very cleanly.

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