Caol Ila 2004 (Maltbarn 2018)

Maltbarn has just released a new Caol Ila 2004, possibly a sister cask of the one bottled in 2017. I was hoping for a heavily sherried version but the colour turned out quite light again.

Caol Ila 14 yo 2004 (53,7%, Maltbarn 2018, sherry cask, 149 btl.)

Nose: indeed no heavy sherry influence, perhaps a bit sweeter than a bourbon cask though (sucrose, peaches). Very oily, almost fatty, with olive oil and sunflower, as well as a buttery touch. Then wet wool, a little gravel, mint and lemongrass. Waxed paper. Faint hints of bandages. Very nice.

Mouth: certainly medicinal but the peatiness as such is moderate, I would say. Sweet citrus, the buttery side again, and plenty of earthy brine with antiseptics. Green olives, white pepper and wee hints of mustard.

Finish: medium length, sweet and salty. Kippers and lemon.

Like its predecessor, this is a slightly wilder, fatty and medicinal style of Caol Ila, possibly dialed up a little by the sherry cask. Simply very good. Around € 140, available from Maltbarn direct or its resellers.

Score: 88/100