Lamas Caledônia III

- Single malt - 50% ABV - Unfiltered and uncolored - Matured in ex-bourbon American oak - Finished in ex-sherry European oak - Smoky - 1-liter bottle - Developed in collaboration with the bar Caledônia of SP Aroma: sherry, wine-like, sweet, ash, moderate smoke, red berry jam fruitiness (strawberry, maraschino cherry), minty, pleasant woodiness, vanilla, toffee, caramel, spicy, and a noticeable but not aggressive alcohol presence. Excellent balance among the aromas highlights the smoothness of this whisky. Less smoky and more fruity than previous versions. Taste: very sweet, wine-like, smoky, ash, peppery, warm, robust bitterness, lingering red berry fruitiness, wet woodiness, minty, and alcohol warmth. Although less complex on the palate than in the aroma, this whisky partially reflects the nose and is still very enjoyable. Finish: medium to long, primarily due to the bitterness and smoke. Overall impressions: a great whisky and, to date, the best version of the Caledonia whisky in my view. It is a much smoother and more balanced whisky than its predecessors, but without losing the character of the initial releases. Letting this whisky rest in the glass for 5 or 10 minutes significantly helps reveal the more "hidden" notes and mellow the 50% ABV. I recommend drinking it neat, with ice, or with a splash of water.