Caol Ila 1995 Distillers Edition (Bottled 2007)

Caol Ila is more renowned than its various expressions. The name Caol Ila means "the sound of Islay," and this distillery edition is part of a series of whiskies that Diageo releases periodically for their most popular malts, such as Talisker and Oban; they are usually double matured. Bottled at 43% alcohol by volume, it has a burnished gold color. The aroma is pleasant: Grapefruit, lemon air freshener, pine, prune, burnt car oil, lemons, acetone, and orange peel. It's actually very citrusy and moderately peaty. The smell reminds me of a horse race track. Iodine, seaweed, beach, and the sea. After a few sips, a faint sherry sweetness emerges. The taste is good but overly simple. Creamy vanilla, salt, and earth. That's all. The aftertaste is also a bit plain. Tobacco, agave, slightly watery and sandy. It strongly reminds you of the beach. Overall, this is a decent whisky, easy to drink and safe for less experienced palates. Perhaps too safe. I rate it 83 out of 100.