The unpeated Caol Ila is one of the constant appearances in Diageo’s Special Releases. It has been roughly between 10 and 17 years old – this year brings a Caol Ila 15 Year Old, a mix of refill American oak casks and European oak sherry butts.
I’ve tried a few of these unpeated Caol Ila expressions before (2009, 2013 ‘Stitchell Reserve’ and 2015).
Caol Ila 15 yo 2000 ‘unpeated style’ (61,5%, OB 2016, Special release)
Nose: fairly fruity (sweet lemon, grapefruit, apples) with lots of pine needles, grassy notes and an alcoholic kick. Light iodine, giving it a faint medicinal touch. Maybe not peated but there’s something of baked bread in the background. Not bad.
Mouth: grains and grapefruits really. Perhaps a bit more towards toffee now, also chocolate and coffee, but that’s not uncommon at this strength. Rather pungent actually. White peppery and a prominent herbal side. Hints of brine. Sweeter with water, but not that flavoursome.
Finish: long, on peppery oak and dry cocoa powder.
This is another 5-6% stronger than last year’s edition, and it only drives it more towards grassy notes, pungent pepper and hints of coffee. It’s straightforward and really not bad, but I’m sure they have more interesting (peated) production available for the Special Releases. Around € 100.
Score: 83/100