Four Caol Ila on the menu today. All of them finished in interesting cask types. A first-fill ex-Ruby Port barrique, a NEOC ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, a first-fill Caroni barrel, and a French oak Oloroso hogshead. The culprits? Glaschu Spirits Co, Spiritfilled, Hogshead Indie, and Dràm Mòr, respectively.
I assume most of you know what a Ruby Port barrique is, so I won’t spend too much time on it. And while unusual, a first-fill Caroni barrel and French oak Oloroso hogshead also kind of speak for themselves. A NEOC ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry cask though? That’s a bit more niche.
If you’re a loyal reader you might remember the Whistler Dark Symphony. An Irish whiskey, it was also matured in NEOC barrels. You can visit that post for more information, or read on here for a brief overview.
NEOC stands for New Era of Cask and has been pioneered by ASC Barrels, a French cooperage. The way I understand it, a NEOC cask is basically a variation on Dr Jim Swan’s STR casks (shaved, toasted and re-charred). Only this is shaved and toasted, not charred. Here’s a video from ASC Barrels with some more detail.
In person, the Caol Ila 13 Years ‘Mythical Beasts’ from the NEOC ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, is almost pitch black. Not Loch Dhu black, but very dark nonetheless. This type of cask seems to leave a huge imprint on the whisky. I imagine it might not be suited for a full maturation, but who knows.
Caol Ila 2012 12 Years (50%, Glaschu Spirits, 290 bts.)
Nose: The Port barrique makes itself known from the outset. This Caol Ila is a right mixture of (a somewhat domesticated) Islay character and fortified wine influences. Very much sweet red fruits, although with a twist. Smoked strawberries, for example. Also plums but with some wheat beer, blackcurrants and grilled meat.
Taste: Lots of char with a fair amount of sweetness, but not sticky. More tart blackcurrants, a drop of iodine, some dates and figs. Also some nutmeg and pink pepper. Adding a few drops of water elevates more candy-like notes.
Finish: Medium to long. The interplay between the fruity port and coastal Caol Ila works well here.
Caol Ila 2015 9 Years (55.2%, Dràm Mòr, C#302611)
Nose: A very fresh first impression, with pronounced citrus notes, hints of nectarines, and white peaches as well. Of course, there’s some (vegetal) peat as well, alongside cigar tobacco and a pleasant brine-y vibe.
Taste: Big and bold. Plenty of white pepper, a good amount ashes and more of that green-ish peat influence. Also cloves, a dash of cinnamon and creamy custard. Burnt toast too. Hints of chargrilled peaches as well.
Finish: Very long. A nice saline quality, very crisp peat and a touch of caramel.
Caol Ila 2012 10 Years (55.8%, Hogshead Indie, 44 bts.)
Nose: Just as much Caroni as Caol Ila, the nose displays funky, estery aromas of pineapple and green bananas, as well as touches of acetone, fermented fruits and diesel. There’s some smoked barley husks, dried shellfish and smoked oysters, but also preserved lemons. Finally some resin.
Taste: More of a balance here. Plenty of peaty and coastal notes. Bonfire, briny touches, liquorice root. Also a good amount of diesel and petrol again. Also cedarwood and dark honey, as well as tar and some mint-y notes.
Finish: Long. Big campfire notes alongside herbal touches and a zesty fruitiness.
Caol Ila 13 Years ‘Mythical Beasts’ (54%, Spiritfilled, C#300280)
Nose: There’s leather, shoe polish and gentle notes of barbecued meat and char, as well as orange zest, cherry pits and almond paste. The peat smoke seems rather subdued, while honeyed notes add an intriguing layer. Also touches of burlap and raspberries.
Taste: Big and rather meaty. Campfire smoke, charcoal and cloves alongside cassis, gunpowder and cherry-flavoured candy canes. Also glazed beef, prosciutto and some notes of rubber.
Finish: Long. Gentle spices, sweet peat and tart fruits.
Samples provided by SPIRITS.services