Caol Ila 18 Year Old 1995 The Whiskyman

Caol Ila never disappoints. That is probably why it is my favourite distillery on Islay. The new Port Ellen as far as I am concerned. A bold statement, I know. But whenever a new Caol Ila is released, I am always happy to see a sample heading my way. This 18 Year Old was bottled by the Whiskyman, under their Rock & Roll banner, dubbed ‘Dram Generation’. It has the color of white wine.

Ah, wonderful Caol Ila on the nose. The typical sea breeze is wrapped in a fatty jacket of salted cream butter, honey and cream sweets and toffee. Loads of citrus with a touch of pineapple and banana peel. Dry grass. Pretty mineraly too. Oyster sap. Vanilla. Soot. Pretty complex. Makes my mouth water.

The attack is oily and softly spiced. Sweeter than on the nose with again a lot of citrus fruits. It even shows some smoked ham. Bacon, in fact. The maritime elements become louder all the time. Hints of eucalyptus, that keeps it very fresh. The peat plays second fiddle, supportive of the whole. A bit of soot. Wonderful.

In the long, smoky and warm finish, I suddenly get a nice hint of sweetened espresso. Surprising! Complex, like I said.

I do not mind repeating myself. Caol Ila never disappointes. This is just released and available for 90 EUR. Recommended!

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