Caol Ila 2012 The Single Malts of Scotland Reserve Casks 11 yo

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

4 Second-Fill Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2023 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

As part of Parcel n°11 of the Reserve Casks sub-range, this Caol Ila from Elixir Distillers has a lot to tell us. Aged in 4 second-fill Sherry casks, we don't know how many bottles were produced, but it can't be more than 2,000. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Superb iodine and seaweed on the nose, with sea spray, salt, tide and kelp. The Sherry is discreet and gives a certain roundness to the whole, some figs and dates, but the exuberant character of Caol Ila is there. Liquid honey, biscuit dough, but also sea breeze, waves, foam. The palate is pleasant, mellow, with dried banana and chocolate fondant, but not sublime either. Rich spices, lovely ashy smoke, delicate woodiness. Long, pleasant finish, with cola, cloves, pepper and earth. A pinch of salt. A drop of soot. 

 

In Short, 

What we have here is a very fine Caol Ila, a must-have for enthusiasts. Very typical, and at the same time round and fruity thanks to the Sherry. The price is quite reasonable, so I think I'll give it a try.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Glass Beams - Rattlesnake