Caol Ila 12 Year Fèis Ìle 2021

Review #101 Type: single malt scotch Alcohol by Volume: 57% Details: aged 12 years, finished in ex-Moscatel wine casks Tasted after: first up Appearance (no score): A russet hue. Swirling shows a thick residue on the glass, which begins to bead up rapidly, though the legs form slowly. Nose: 16/20 The peat smoke is prominent, but carries an interesting damp quality, like a campfire just extinguished with water. This is accompanied by an earthy scent, evoking images of raking wet leaves, along with sweet honey, grapefruit citrus, and a trace of something metallic. It's somewhat scattered, but I appreciate how it integrates. Palate: 34/40 Very vibrant and sweet, with a pleasant creamy texture and minimal alcohol burn for the high proof. Honey, juicy grapefruit, vanilla, dried apricots, green tea, and a touch of white pepper are present. Finish: 33/40 A lengthy finish. It immediately shifts to peat smoke and ash, along with sea salt and oak spice. As these subside, subtle notes of honey, ginger, and licorice appear, gradually fading to cinnamon and concluding with a semi-dry character. With Water: A few drops of water alter the earthy aroma, changing it from raking wet leaves to planting fresh flowers. An additional hint of salinity is also noted on the finish. Total: 83/100 Final thoughts: This is a truly enjoyable expression from Coal Ila, significantly more intricate and full-bodied than the standard 12 year, yet still approachable and easy to drink. Price: £133 Would recommend: yes Would buy: yes Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.

A beautiful balance of Moscatel sweetness with the sweet smoke of Caol Ila. Nose: Vanilla, Smoke, Bacon, Elderflower, Sultanas, Oranges, Honey, Walnuts, Figs, Salted Toffee, Dark Chocolate, Cherries, Burnt Marshmallows, Salted Cod Palate: Raisins, Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, Cherries, Dates, Salted Cod, Smoke, Iodine, Pork Ribs, Prunes, Figs Finish: Honey, Oranges, Walnuts, Dark Chocolate, Pork, Sultanas, Salted Caramel, Peaches, Salted Cod, Iodine

The increased proof offers a pleasingly intense hit of Caol Ila smoke, complemented by a sugary aroma from the Moscatel barrel maturation. This sweetness, even in a half-ounce serving, avoids being overwhelming and achieves a delicate equilibrium that might sway the score up or down with a larger measure.

Nose: smoke, bacon. Palate: orange cake, salt. Finish: Smoke, cigar.