Caol Ila 14 yo James MacArthur (1995/2010)

This Caol Ila spent its 14 years of life in a refill sherry cask (#10042).

N: alcoholic strength is at first predominant and this malt simply beats your nose when neat. Notes of nail varnish, latex and melted gum stand out. You will feel the peat (a litlle smoky, however) and the islay characters emerging gradually, without the cask (not a first fill) to fully place side by side. A bit of sweetness, apple above all. Anise aroma is quite clear. With water, this malt opens just partially, even if naturally the alcohol wave ease: a little more sweetish in the abstract, hint of cola.

P: when you have it neat, this baby is buffer, aggressive, and way too alcoholic. The peat dominates all, with then woody shades a little bitter and dry. It absolutely needs some water. With just a few drops, this malt becomes more enjoyable and approachable: a delicate sweetness (caramel, toffee, almonds) that is soon replaced by wood and smoky flavours, with the typical soft salty hints. Liquorice. Notes of "ferrochina", an italian spirit.

F: deep and long-lasting; very woody and bitter. It dries your mouth, while peat and sea note pleasantly persist. Then, it turns in a way that is just too bitter. With water, more delicate. Dried fruit emerge.

In the end, this Caol Ila will give you more wood spices than fruit impressions, with the "Ilish" features not easily matching all the rest. Anyway, don't forget water, unless you like being punched on the face!

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