One of the nice things about getting samples from whisky mates, is that you sometimes get additional stuff you never expected. this one is just like that. A cask strength release of 2000 vintage Caol Ila. This is a marriage of two casks which have been matured in first fill Sherry butts, before being bottled on June 2012 by G&M. Sherry Caol Ila, can’t be bad , can it?
G&M Caol Ila 2000 / Cask #309558-309559, 61.4% , £58.25
Nose: Peat and sherry loveliness with lots of smoked ham marinated in sweet sauce. You get quite a lot of campfire smoke and some brine too. this is a lovely combination of sweet smoke and the bacon. Pure Joy to the senses.
Palate: Starts peppery and spicy with a nice dose of sweet sherry, that integrates quite nicely with the BBQ smoke, a nice fruity touch, with hints of apples, and spices, cinnamon , ginger powder and white pepper.
Finish: Long with peat smoke, BBQ fire and pepper gum.
Absolutely delicious, and a peat head’s dream come true, some sweet BBQ. At this price, It’s a must buy.
Score: 89/100
G&M Caol Ila 2000 / Cask #309558-309559, 61.4% , £58 (at The Whisky Exchange)
Many thanks to Jon and Mike for the sample