Caol Ila 2009 5 Year Hepburn's Choice (Hunter Laing)

This is my third tasting from a trio of spirits I sampled at a small, local gathering focused on independent bottlers and limited releases, to which I was invited. I sampled the following spirits (their individual reviews can be found elsewhere on this site): - The Maltman (Secret Orkney Distillery) 2005 12 Year Old (Sherry Hogshead) - Hunter Laing's The Old Malt Cask Caol Ila 2009 (9 Year Old) Red Wine Finish - Hepburn's Choice Caol Ila 2009 5 Year Old (Quarter Cask) I had not intended to try the final item on the list, but as the host was discussing with another guest how this Quarter Cask Caol Ila was an exceptional dram for its young age, he also poured me a small measure to smell - and to taste, naturally!:). Considering its relatively young age, it was indeed an excellent dram. Distilled in 2009, it matured for 5 years, which included a finishing period in European Oak Quarter Casks. Only 98 bottles exist. It's peculiar, though, that it must have been stored undisturbed for several years, given its age and distillation year, and its current release... The color was less striking than the deeper hues of the two other spirits I had that day, but it still possessed a pleasant tanned appearance. In addition to a clear marine character, the aroma offered peat and smoke, which were present on the palate, complemented by some red fruits. The finish was similarly pleasing, though not particularly lengthy. I must confess that the order of the tasting sequence wasn't optimal for evaluating this one, as I ended with the lightest flavor profile of the three. It likely would have shown better if I had begun with it. Following the rich fullness of the previous two - excellent - drams, this 5-year-old Caol Ila seemed somewhat muted, a bit diluted. For its age (and cost), however, it's a fantastic whisky.

This is the fourth in a five-part series reviewing a private tasting of independent bottlings at my local liquor shop. Our personal selection included: Càrn Mòr - Strictly Limited - Benrinnes 10 Year Old 2009; Hunter Laing - Talisker 2008 - 9 Year Old Old Malt Cask; Claxton's The Single Cask - Bunnahabhain 2013 - Staoisha - 6 Years Old; Caol Ila 5-Year-Old 2009 - Hepburn's Choice (Langside); and Ardnamurchan Spirit 2019 AD. This Hepburn’s Choice 5-year-old Caol Ila bottling had expectations to meet, having followed the Claxton’s Bunnahabhain. Matured in a much smaller Quarter Cask, with only 98 bottles available, we still anticipated a lot of flavor. The nose was satisfying, with good smoke and oaky notes, but the palate was less intense and weaker than expected. There were some fruits and floral notes, along with some pepper, but nothing remarkable. Again, my son and I agreed this was somewhat disappointing. Was it because it came right after the Claxton? We're still unsure, but our friends shared the same opinion… Would the final one redeem it and prevent us from buying the Claxton? To continue reading, the other reviews will be available soon. (Note: Apparently, I tasted and reviewed this one previously, noting the same somewhat subdued impression...). This time, however, I rated it lower.