Caol Ila Smoking Buffalo 8th Edition

Smoking Buffalo is back! For the 8th time already The Bonding Dram and Whisky Import Belux have selected a cask in honor of the Belgian premier league football club AA Gent (they were Belgium's champions in 2014). For this edition they bottled a young Caol Ila (again), a single bourbon hogshead at cask strength. Should I keep water handy? After all, this is a sturdy fellow at 60,5% ABV. It certainly is one of the palest Caol Ila I have poured so far. The nose starts rather closed. It needs some hand warmth and patience, but is well worth it. Typical maritime elements appear, as does some white fruit and a basket full of lemons. Something that reminds me of potato peelings. A touch earthy. Somewhat medicinal with a bit of smoke. Lovely. Wow, that's more like it! On the palate it is quite a bomb. Big smoke development from the get-go, some serious pepper and then the sweetness kicks in. Think apples and vanilla. But that does not last long, for there the salty edge rears its head. Surprisingly quaffable, despite the sky high ABV. Water is not needed, although the malt is quite sharp. But that is quite alright! The finish is wonderfully long and very warm. The smokiness even increases. Ah, young Caol Ila, what a treat. This was a sneaky sniper, though. On the nose, you had no inkling that he had you in his sights, but on the palate he hits you right between the eyes. Grand whisky. Only 79 EUR, available from the Smoking Buffalo website while supplies last.

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