Caol Ila 16 Year Old 1996 Lemon Smoke Wemyss Malts

Wemyss Malts is currently hard at work on stomping their very own distillery out of the ground. They are active for a long time already as independent bottler though. This Caol Ila was dubbed Lemon Smoke, which makes me guess that we will be getting a rather classic Caol Ila on… err… lemon and smoke.

Well, forget that classic from the start. While very clean on sea salt, ashes and – obviously – loads of citrus, it feels as if this nose is sparkling. The citrus translates into white grapefruit and a slice of lime, mostly. But above all very clean with only a touch of oak. Nice!

Oh, this is Lemon Smoke on the palate alright. A hefty smoky jacket surrounds the citrus fruit, that now reminds me more of lemon. Fanta lemon with a pinch of salt and peat. Midpalate it becomes wonderfully sweet on vanilla and icing sugar. Despite the drinking strength, this is quite a powerhouse.

The finish is very long and a perfect continuation of the palate, with an added sweetness at the death.

Nice, clean Caol Ila, just the way I like it.

Find where to buy Caol Ila whisky