Caol Ila 2016 8 Year Single Cask No. 303512 (Vintage Bottlers)

This 8-year-old single malt scotch, aged in a refill hogshead and bottled at 60.15%, presents a pale gold hue. Swirling shows a thick line clinging to the glass, beading quickly with slow-forming legs. Nose: Smoky peat, vanilla, well-done toast, unbuttered popcorn, lemon zest, a pleasant briny coastal saltiness, old tires, and sea spray. Palate: Young and powerful with a smooth oily texture. Peat smoke is prominent, sharp, and biting, layered with bitter ash and lemon citrus. It carries an almost medicinal quality. Grain cereal and oak spice are less noticeable, emerging gradually. Finish: Medium length. It begins with oak spice and ash. A fleeting burst of creamy vanilla is swiftly overcome by lemon zest and grapefruit peel, creating a somewhat bitter taste. As these fade, oak spice and peat smoke return, concluding with a mild saltiness. With Water: Adding a few drops softens the peat smoke on the nose, enhancing the briny maritime aroma. The smoke is less pronounced on the palate and finish, giving way to a more dominant vanilla flavor. Total: 85/100 Final thoughts: I greatly enjoyed sampling this private cask. Honestly, I might mistake it for Laphroaig blind (before adding water), and I personally liked it much better before dilution. Eager to try it again in a few years! Price: £35. Recommended: yes. Would buy: yes.