After reviewing the Oldest latest exclusive for TWE by Signatory (reviewed here the other day) I am going to review the youngest of the bunch, at a mere 8 years of age (but age does not matter right?). When it comes to peat, young whisky is often the best way of getting your peat fix, as peat gets weaker as it is being tamed by the wood when the liquid ages. I was going to taste this one sometime later, but I saw Serge rate it quite high, and I was intrigued to see, how come.. As this is not a signatory vintage, this is bottled at 46% abv, and not CS, all from a bourbon cask. Let’s see how this youngster is…
Coal Ila, 8 Year Old Signatory TWE Exclusive , 45% abv, £55.95 
Nose: Well, it’s young indeed, reminds me a bit of young Lagavulins (that mezcal note), yet the smoke is quite different. There’s a lemon sherbet note, with sea spray , smoke and some seaweed, in addition to sweet vanilla, and a hint of pear drops. This is young Islay indeed, but not too young, as the wood did add a nice sweeter, edge. Iodine, maybe tar too. smoked cod.
Palate: The palate is lovely, with ash, smoke and more coastal note : seafood (oyster, fish) , iodine, and salt, and dry wood smoke, with some vanilla too that balanced it nicely.
Finish: Coastal, with smoke, leather and more lemon sherbet and peat.
This is a nice little dram indeed, I would not say it’s over complex, but on the other hand, it does not feel too young, and the peat, maritime , sweet notes are well integrated. at 46% it’s also very quaffable , and at under 60 quid it’s not very expensive, although not cheap too, for what it is (And there’s a lot of young CI to be had ).
Good value indeed, and a nice daily dram for the Islay lover.
Score: 86/100