The latest batch of Elements of Islay bottlings includes this Caol Ila Cl12. It has been matured for 7 years in a pair of refill sherry butts before being bottled at cask strength.
Caol Ila Cl12 7 yo 2011 (57,5%, Elements of Islay 2019, two refill sherry butts, 50cl, 1901 btl.)
Caol Ila Cl12 7 yo 2011 (57,5%, Elements of Islay 2019, two refill sherry butts, 50cl, 1901 btl.)Nose: a fairly vegetal start. Buttery apples and pears, linseed oil, plenty of barley notes. A little porridge and mashed vegetables. Mild smoke and hints of iodine.
Mouth: sweet peat with big smoky and a generous dose of salty notes. Hints of mezcal. In a second wave there are sweet pears and lemons with a feeling of burnt herbs. No classic sherry influence whatsoever.
Finish: quite long, with a lingering sweetness and big salty notes.
Very elementary indeed. Basic Islay flavours with impressive salty notes this time and just a little sweetness from the sherry casks. Available from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 86/100