Caol Ila 13 Year Old 1997 Chieftain's

Ian McLeod, who market the label Chieftain's, vatted no less than six casks to realize this release of almost 800 bottles, all of them at drinking strength.

Very soft and mineral nose with a sweetness. Vanilla, apples and pears. A slice of lemon. A touch of ashes, but really hidden. Some green herbs like parsley and thyme. Some wet earth. A bit of a lot, actually. Very accessible nose, but rather docile.

Oily on the palate. Immediately honeysweet. The apples are now fried and sprinkled with sugar. It becomes spicier with peat, pepper and a bit of ginger. A whole lot more interesting than the nose led me to believe. The smokiness is very minimal, though.

The finish is rather short, but nicely balanced and smoke (more than the palate).

A somewhat sweet Caol Ila, but with this sunny weather, that is quite inviting.

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