As has become sort of a tradition, Douglas Laing bottled a commemorative whisky for Feis Ile 2017. They chose to bottle a Caol Ila 6 Years Old as part of their the Provenance-series.
With all the Islay distilleries releasing their own special Feis Ile-bottlings, a young Caol Ila might seem like it’s lacking a bit of prestige. But looks can be deceiving. Shall we taste?
Caol Ila 6 Years Old (50,6%, Douglas Laing ‘Provenance’, 2017)
Nose: I rarely comment on the colour, bit this one is almost transparent. And it is indeed a very naked whisky, spirit-driven. Candied banana with a peaty punch and wood smoke. Wet rocks too. Very fresh and inviting. Not complex, but balanced.
Taste: Sweet and sugary barley, almost like a peaty wort. There’s a good amount of peat smoke, but also cotton candy. Finally a subtle fruitiness, mainly banana.
Finish: Lingers on an earthy peat smoke and bananas. Some cacao too.
Rating: 83
Maybe a bit too naked? I mean, I don’t mind an inactive cask, but some more wood influence could’ve been beneficial. Still a good Islay whisky, and it will certainly please those who love young peated whiskies (of which I know there are plenty). Available from Master of Malt.
Sample provided by Douglas Laing
