57,1° (100° Proof)
Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay
1st Fill and Refill Oloroso Sherry Butts
Independent Bottling
By Signatory Vintage
Limited Edition
Single Malt
Bottled in 2024
Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured
Peated around 35 ppm
There are 6 different Caol Ilas in the 100 Proof collection, which was launched in January 2024, and I've only tasted three of them. It's not for lack of appreciation of this distillery, but I haven't had the chance. The #11 is aged in a Rum Barrel, which is original and well done, but I'm not a fan of this type of ageing. The #10 was aged in a blend of Bourbon Hogsheads and Sherry Butts, and I liked it, but it was a bit younger than this one, which is also the first to be aged entirely in Sherry Butts. The number of bottles filled is not specified, but it must be around several thousand.
Let's Taste It :
Intense smoke, stuffed ashtray. Behind, soft caramel, dried banana, dates. Figs, brown tobacco, prunes. A touch of iodine, but very discreet. Black cherries. On the palate, thick, heavy, haunting peat and dark chocolate, mocha, dried fruits, fruit paste. Just the right amount of spice, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon. Very long, nicely tangy finish, roots, chocolate and coffee, a drop of tar, melting liquorice, asphalt softened by the heat. Cola, liquid honey, bay leaves.
In Short,
It's exactly what you'd expect from a Caol Ila full of Sherry at this age. I have to admit that I really enjoyed it, it's nice to rediscover the profile of this distillery, which blends nicely with the Sherry influence. The only slight flaw was that the palate was a little flat, which prevented me from raising the note. But the rest is very good, and it's a bargain at this price. I've put it on my list of purchases to consider.
Score : 87
To Be Listened While Sipping :
The Vintage Caravan - Crossroads
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