JS, adc and I have been having this one all day. I also poured it in copious amounts during the festival, last week. Time to kill it.
Caol Ila 34yo 1982/2016 (60.1%, Cadenhead Small Batch, 2x Bourbon Hogsheads, 264b): this one has garnered quite a reputation, after whiskyfun.com stated it was as close to a Port Ellen as one could get. I remember liking it, while thinking Cadenhead had released better Caol Ilas of a similar age, over the past half decade. Nose: diesel fumes, cockles and a whole hut of seafood action accompany linseed oil, mudflats and stagnant water. The smell of smoked mussels is pretty arresting. Mouth: hot, peppery, salty and sandy, the palate sees salty whelks, paprika-sprinkled smoked mussels, soot and coal. After a while, it delivers a welcome sweetness that complements diesel in an optimal fashion. It does remain a big, boiler-room of a dram, though. Finish: big and powerful, it ends as it started, with all sorts of smoked seafood, char-grilled seaweed, diesel engines, sandy beaches, yet also a spoonful of brown sugar. This is excellent. I cannot be bothered taking longer notes, tonight. Suffice to say I am enjoying it more than the first time. 9/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW)
No comments:
Post a Comment