Caol Ila 8 Year Old 2006 Carn Mor

Carn Mor already has quite a few releases under the label Strictly Limited, which is usually a vatting of two casks. It is the case here. Two ex-bourbon casks yielded 600 bottles of the 8 Year Old Caol Ila. It is probably the palest Caol Ila I have ever tasted.

Surprisingly sweet nose with vanilla, sweet apples and juicy pears. The maritime elements are there, to be sure, with some ashes, but it is the sweetness that dominates. Sweet malt. Breakfast cereals. After a few moments it turns umami, which is not a disadvantage. This is young, but that is the way I like my Caol Ila.

Oily on the palate. It is clean, very clean. Citrus comes first, followed by smoked apples and pears (should such a thing exist). But it remains surprisingly sweet. Loads of vanilla and a pinch of pepper and ginger. Some aniseed. Midpalate, I suddenly get some kiwi. Where did that come from?

In the long and warm finish, some English candy – liquorice – turns up, albeit wrapped in a very smoky blanket.

Good! I think this would go well with a fish in cream dish. Note to self: must try that sometime.

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