If there is a particular style of whisky that does really well at a young age, than it usually are the heavily peated ones. Ledaig comes to mind. But today we have a young one from Islay, the Mecca of peated whiskies. A Caol Ila to be exact, which is probably my favourite Islay distillery.
Distilled in 2007 and filled into a bourbon barrel, it was bottled in 2016. This Caol Ila comes from the warehouses of Signatory Vintage in Pitlochry and was picked as an exclusive for The Whisky Exchange.
Caol Ila 2007/2016 (46%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange, C#315325)
Nose: Seaweed and iodine as well as some lime juice and hay. Wet rocks. And light, subtle wood smoke, from a smouldering campfire.
Taste: Charcoal, tar and smoke. A pinch of salt. Quite rich and well-balanced with a hint of honey and sweet fruit to round out the palate.
Finish: Long, peaty and smoky.
Rating: 88
It’s young, flavourful and nicely balanced. Highly enjoyable and affordable too at just over 55 pounds.
Sample provided by The Whisky Exchange