Caol Ila 17 Year Old Unpeated / Special Releases 2015

Caol Ila – which means 'Sound of Islay' in Gaelic and thus refers to the straight between Islay and the Isle of Jura – has a so-called Unpeated Style on the market since 2008. That is to be taken quite literally. This Caol Ila – which appeared as an 8 years old at first, but is now already at 18 years – is made from unpeated malt. I tried this 17 years old (bottled in 2015) head-to-head with the latest at the distillery during my visit in September 2017. I liked this one much better, so brought a bottle home. The nose offers loads of sweet barley sugars, caramel, vanilla, speculoos and some crème brûlée. Maritime hints? Sure, but in the background. Some citrus peel with a salty lining. Some wet earth. Fresh young apples with a drop of honey start to dominate after a few minutes. It becomes sweeter all the time and even flirts with tropical fruit. On the palate, salt and citrus dominate unmistakably. Bittersweet on grapefruit and lime, loads of salty elements, upholstered with a green spiciness which gives it some punch. Think mint, pepper and some woodspice. The ABV makes it powerful, but not scorching. This is perfectly drinkable without water. And very tasty indeed! The finish is wonderfully long, warm, a touch smoky (must be from the wood) and bittersweet at the death. A grand Caol Ila that warms up your insides. Winter dram!

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