Caol Ila 9 year 2009 (North Star Spirits)

At a tasting event, the initial scent is dominated by sweet, smoky peat. It has fruity elements with hints of berries, stone fruits, and clear lemon zest. Earthy, dusty oak notes and some spice follow. As it rests, the smoke becomes thick and industrial. The arrival on the palate is sweet and smoky, with ginger, licorice, and tamarind spices. The flavors evolve to include citrus (lemon and grapefruit) that overwhelm the initial sweetness before the cask's influence returns, providing a pleasant, sweet, creamy balance. Adding water enhances the citrus but isn't necessary, as the spirit isn't overly strong. The texture is slightly oily yet dry. The finish is medium to long, with sweet citrus/sherry notes and some brine that fades into smoke. This is a well-made whisky that is lively yet balanced, perfectly showcasing both Caol Ila's distillate and expert PX cask management. The cask influence is subtle, acting as a balancing element to the dry, briny, and bright lemony smoke, rather than just a simple sherry sweetness. The primary bourbon aging worked wonderfully, and the whisky had an optimal finishing period. There's little else to add; it's simply a very good young Caol Ila, but keep in mind it's not the only good one available. Many independent bottlers receive spirit from this distillery, and there are numerous excellent Caol Ila bottlings aged 10 years or less. "Good" rating: 84/100 (3.75 stars)