Caol Ila 18 Year Old

It has been a few years since I last tried Caol Ila 18 Years. At this age we’re expecting a mellow, rounded version of Caol Ila.

Caol Ila 18 yo (43%, OB +/- 2017)

Nose: rather creamy peat, with almonds, gentle smoke and a buttery touch. Mossy notes underneath, subtle hints of overripe pineapple. Minerals and light mentholated notes. Some vanilla as well.

Mouth: more intense and very waxy. Mineral notes, some grapefruit bitterness and lots of brine. Chocolate with salt. Leafy notes, oily peat. Some plain oak as well.

Finish: rather long, saline and oaky, with herbs and hints of smoked fish.

Not exactly a bold Islay powerhouse, but still a mild and entertaining Caol Ila. Focused on saline notes and herbal oak rather than on raw peat. Around € 100 from TWE or Master of Malt.

Score: 85/100