Saturday, May 26, 2007

Caol Ila 8yo Unpeated Style - 59.8%


I had heard of this "Highland Style" Caol Ila for some time so was glad to see that Diageo decided to release it in this cask strength form.
So here goes!
Nose: Sweet, creamy lots of vanilla and hints of unripe berries. Very creamy indeed like very rich cream sauce - this could go cracking with a steak! - or maybe i am just hungry! Also a touch of custard creams!
Taste: Not as fresh as the nose - a little bit dusty! doesn't taste like its cask strength - obvious creamy notes and a touch woody - i added a little water and there is a slight metallic taste with a touch of lemon bon-bons
Finish: Long, drying a touch coastalish and not much else!
Comments: Maybe I expected to much from this I must remember it is only an 8yo - but then I love Caol Ila's young 7-12yo I find are cracking ages, however the peating must just add that extra dimension that makes Caol Ila one of my favourite whiskies.
Score: A disappointing 80/100 would have loved this to have tasted as it nosed.

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