Caol Ila "The Eagle Has Landed", Apollo 11, The Whisky Barrel Exclusive

The nose offers a pleasant chocolate fudge aroma that gives way to peat. Notes of burnt tires, the metallic taste of blood, damp clothes, pungent cheeses, pepper spice, and grapes emerge. After the initial taste, the aroma becomes more chocolatey, with a blood-like scent akin to a juicy medium-rare steak. (I'm not channeling a fictional serial killer, haha). It also has herbal notes, anise, BBQ sauce, and glazed pork. The palate is quite good, featuring chocolate and red fruits. Notes of macerated cherries and cherry syrup are present, along with peat moss and chili. The aftertaste could be improved, but it's not bad. It includes chocolate, bacon, and maple, with earthy, coal, and ash notes. It also has grassy, burnt hay characteristics, like smoking a pipe. Overall, this is a very good dram, presented in a gorgeous bottle that highlights a significant historical achievement for humanity. Apollo 11 is an emotionally resonant event for anyone who experienced it or learned about it; this whisky aims to evoke emotions, and it succeeds. A strong, delightful dram with minor imperfections here and there, but certainly a collectible for space enthusiasts like myself. I award it a solid 90 out of 100. Cheers!