Caol Ila 6 Year Old 2013 Signatory for The Nectar

The Nectar, Belgian importer, selected this so-called Charred Wine Hogshead from the stables of Signatory, near Pitlochry. It was filled in June 2013 with spirit from my favorite Islay distillery and bottled in September 2019. This young, powerful Coal Ila is hence only 6 years old. The ABV makes me wonder if I should have some water handy. Ha, wonderfully intense nose on iodine, seaweeds, oyster sap and even some mashed potatoes and roast beef, but also notes of red fruit. Think red berries and stewed strawberries. Ashes and soft peat smoke. Atypical and – in my book – fantastic. Yes, it is powerful on the palate of course, but when taking small sips, there is no issue. Again very intense and spicy now as well. The maritime notes appear first: iodine, ashes (quite big now), peat smoke and brackish water, followed by a hefty spiciness from chili peppers, cloves and nutmeg. Then the fruit kicks in to soften things up. Again red fruit, obviously. Boy, this really works well. The finish is very long, smoky and sweet. It evolves towards very salty before dying a peppery but sweet death. Let it snow! This is a fantastic winter dram. Around 75 EUR.

Find where to buy Caol Ila whisky