Caol Ila The Single Malts of Scotland Aged 8 Years

This will be a short review (I'm watching Frozen 2 with Maggie) - but today's entry is from the independent bottler Specialty Drinks, under their The Single Malts of Scotland range: a Caol Ila that spent 8 years in a sherry butt (No. 300161).

The colour is a pale straw. The nose is classic Caol Ila: Fisherman's Friend, liquorice all-sorts and herring. Ginger and cinnamon. Lemony. Slightly vegetal. Even better with water, as the ginger and peat are pushed forward. Beautiful.

Massive peat on the palate, with a creamy mouthfeel. Lemon pith, chili flakes, cilantro and brine. Very herbal, actually. Menthol. Medicinal, more so with water with brings out more peat as well. Great stuff but perhaps it could use a bit longer in the cask?

The finish is smoky, with pine, lemon and herbs. Nothing stupendous going on here, just a beautiful, powerful, bracing cask strength Caol Ila.

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