Unpeated Caol Ila is something we’ve only seen in the Special Releases series. The last unpeated expression I tried was the 2016 release. I remember finding whiffs of smoke in virtually all of these unpeated versions.
This year it returns in an 11 year old version. A pretty eclectic cask distribution (again): refill casks, rejuvenated casks and rejuvenated ex-wine casks in both American and European oak. The label also mentions short fermentation and cloudy wort, and distillation in partially filled stills.
Caol Ila 11 yo ‘Ambrosial Feast’ (57,3%, OB Special Releases 2024, unpeated, refill + rejuvenated ex-wine casks)
Nose: fairly shy. It’s malty, with hints of walnuts, peanuts and wood dust. The wine didn’t leave a big mark. Butter cookies with light vanilla, along with pepper and dried grassy notes. Then a few mineral touches as well, which is the only Islay element I’m getting so far.
Mouth: now full of hazelnuts, toasted almonds and caramelized walnuts. Toffee appears, with nutmeg and clove. A lot of latte and milk chocolate. In the distance there is a lemony note but this is certainly not a fruity whisky. Then pepper and a tablet of bitter chocolate filled with marzipan. Again, the wine is probably responsible for the bitterness and a sulphurous touch, but it doesn’t make it overtly vinous.
Finish: medium length, with baking spice, coffee and wine tannins.
A most unexpected Caol Ila, for sure. Very nutty, dipped in wine, but limited complexity and very few of the expected markers. An unpeated version is supposed to be more subtle but the wine wipes it all out. It leaves you wondering why anyone would insist on presentin this kind of whisky within the Caol Ila brand. Educational whisky, but approach with caution. Available from Malts.com or retailers like The Whisky Exchange or Royal Mile Whiskies.