The TWE is releasing two Limited editions, the first of which is this Caol Ila from G&M in their Connoisseur’s choice range. The whisky was matured in a single refill sherry hogshead for 15 years, before being bottled in January 2021.
Caol Ila 2005 /15 yo Sherry Cask TWE Exclusive , 57.5% , £120
Nose: Sweet smoke amidst ripe blood orange flesh, quite maritime, with some sweet marinated meats over a bonfire on the beach, next to tarry-roped fishing boats. Further nosing reveals sweet pastries, mostly apple tartlets, peppermint gum, and cinnamon spice. A nice sweet touch, but the sherry works with the distillate and not overpowering, which is very nice, sweet sooty notes as well.
Palate: salty and then spicy and peppery on the entry, with earthy touches, some minty notes as well, and quite a bit of peat as well, as one would expect from a Caol Ila – not quite medicinal but rather earthy and leafy, then off to a nice touch of chocolate, and more of the tar/peat/coal and licorice candy, getting bitter and dry.
Finish: Dry, bitter with a touch of bitter cocoa, burnt earthy ashes, and smoke.
Conclusion: Very nice Caol Ila, with a sherry touch, but not too much of that, mind you. Very enjoyable stuff. If you’re a peat fan who enjoys some sweet sweet notes in his peated dram, this one’s up your alley.
Available exclusively from the TWE shop