Caol Ila 14 Year Old 2008 CasQueteers

Casqueteers is a group of whisky lovers who regularly buy a cask that you can subscribe to (for example, I also have a few cask parts to my name and I wait patiently for bottling). The one that is now in my glass is one that I got my hands on thanks to my good friend Bob. It concerns a 14-year-old Coal Ila from 2008 – with a fantastic label, by the way – that was bottled from a bourbon barrel in 2022.

Kelp, diesel fumes, stockfish... again such a nice naked Caol Ila. The medicinal notes are also present here with burn ointment and a hint of iodine. Even a hint of plasticine. Quick salt (ammonia) in the distant background. Special. It does work. Some white fruit and a pinch of vanilla ensures that it still shows a sweetness.

The body is fine, the malt immediately peaty, salty and very satisfying. The alcohol is perfectly integrated and gives this young Caol Ila weight and depth. Citrus appears (orange and lime), vanilla and quite a bit of licorice. White pepper makes it a bit pungent. And meanwhile, the smoke creates a nice warm glow in the mouth.

The finish is long, warm, smoky, salty and gently drying. Stockfish on the deathbed.

Gem by Caol Ila, also known as Mr Consistent. Thanks, Bob, for the sample and the bottle.

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