29/04/11 Caol Ila 18yo
Evening dramfans, hope you’re all well tonight?
A beautiful evening here in West Aberdeenshire, still and warm. I need something smoky I think…
Caol Ila 18yo, distillery bottling at 43%ABV.
Floral and surprisingly light on the nose. Salty sea spray, old ropes and old embers.
Oaky and powerful, this is a seriously oily dram. Some citrus fruit, some vanilla, not as smoky as I expected but the peat arrives right the end.
Slightly soapy on the finish, disappointingly.
2/5, a frustrating dram actually. The nose promises so much, as does the wonderful viscous smooth mouthfeel but it’s not as sophisticated as I hoped and the finish, although quite long, isn’t stupendous.
I don’t hate it…but I certainly don’t love it. I’d rather drink the 12yo, it’s a more balanced dram.
Sláinte Mhath!
Iain
