LDMW Caol Ila 9 Year Old 2013 Collective 6.0 – 70cl
The Caol Ila distillery was owned by the Glaswegian blender Bulloch Lade & Co from 1863 to 1920 and produces a single malt loved not only by master blenders but also by independent bottlers. Matured in ex-wine casks that have been scraped, toasted and re-charred, this version cheerfully expresses Caol Ila’s deeply mineral and ethereal character. Delicately peaty, smoky and empyreumatic, its aroma palette also boasts stunning fruity, herbaceous and floral tones.
TASTING NOTES
Colour: intense golden yellow.
Nose: refined, distinguished. The mineral first nose [chalk, basalt] reveals a very elegant peat and smoke. Also salty and iodine, the aroma palette overflows with fruity [pear, Mirabelle plum], vanilla and refreshingly mentholated notes. Allowed to breathe, aromas of white flowers [lilac, lily of the valley] and aromatic plants [sage, camomil] tactfully fill the air.
Palate: svelte, lively. Just as mineral as the first nose, the attack focuses on malted barley. On the mid-palate, a relatively dry peat appears alongside flavours of toast and candied lemon. Gradually, a few grains of pepper and clove bring the flavour palette more power. At the end of the palate, a very beautiful malty bitterness closes the second stage of the tasting.
Finish: long, rich. The milky start of the finish [coconut, rice pudding] is delicately honeyed [acacia], fruity [Mirabelle plum] and lemony.
ABV 48%