Caol Ila 2012 Càrn Mòr Strictly Limited 8 yo

 

 

 

47,5°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Oloroso Sherry Butts

Independent Bottling 

By Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2021

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

The Strictly Limited range appeared in 2012, it brings together varied bottlings, but young and reduced for the most part. It is always a blend of a few casks, hence the name. Here we have a Caol Ila aged for 8 years in Oloroso casks, and sold in the number of 1365 bottles, that is to say three or four casks. The bottler of this beautiful little thing changed its name recently. It was called Morrison and MacKay, it is now called Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers.

 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Ashy smoke, soot and charcoal, enhanced with a dollop of brown sugar and dried grapes. Soft toffee, wild strawberries, black berries, blueberries, it's finger-licking good. Almost vinous. Apple crumble. The palate is as pronounced in red fruits as the nose, but a little more fermented. It's sticky, syrupy, a little carbonated. Blackberries, a drop of blackcurrant, figs, varnished wood in the background. The spices are very discreet, paprika and nutmeg. A pinch of mustard on the very long finish, with nutmeg, dates and liquorice returning.

 

In Short,

Typical of Caol Ila aged in Sherry or wine casks. No iodine, but the smoke comes out stronger, blacker. Delicate notes of red fruits, dried fruits, caramel, brown sugar, liquorice, spices. Nothing particularly original but it's so nice. Nothing to say about this bottling, only one small reservation: it lacks power for my taste. And not just because it's reduced, there's very little spice, the finish is by no means explosive. I have known whiskies that are less strong in alcohol and more powerful. But it can be very appreciated on the contrary, in any case it is well done. On its release, the price was really reasonable, the purchase was fundamental. Now it' has doubled and it's not really worth it.

Score: 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Spotlights - Sunset Burial