Sunday, 7 May 2023

Caol Ila 2011 Whisky Live Paris 10 yo

 
 
 
46°
Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 
1st Fill Bourbon Barrel
Independent Bottling 
By Signatory Vintage 
Limited Edition 
Single Cask 
Bottled in 2021
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 35 ppm
 
 
 
On the occasion of the most important event in Europe in the world of Whisky, the Whisky Live Paris, a special bottling is released every year, and in 2021 it is a 10-year-old Caol Ila, Single Cask, aged in a First Fill Bourbon barrel. Only 242 bottles were put on sale. Although I couldn't find confirmation anywhere, I'm assuming it's not cold filtered, as it's not Signatory's way of doing that at all. On the other hand, it is quite reduced.
 
 
 
 
Let's Taste It : 
Iodine, coarse salt, sea spray, seaweed, did you say Caol Ila? Nice vanilla and pastry cream. Smooth, grainy smoke. It is barely perceptible at first, then gradually takes over. The peat grows heavier. Dash of lemon. Round mouth, delightful, a little spicy, on cumin and clove. Grapefruit, with a hint of pineapple. Young wood, slight bitterness. Well done finish, quite long and robust, charcoal and spices, sweet on the end, churned butter, stracciatella.
 
In Short, 
It's a cask full of subtlety and nuances, it's very well made and pleasant to drink, but it's also very gentle and soft. With a few more years of maturation, and Cask Strength, it could have given something really beautiful. But there, my advice is that it is not up to the advertised price. Either way, it's long since sold out.
Score : 86
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :
 
                                           Katie Melua - I Will Be There

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