Caol Ila 8 Year Old Unpeated Style Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The 8 year old is the youngest special release ever offered by this distillery and is something quite unusual - it is ‘Highland’ in style and so completely unpeated. Made in limited quantities once each year and usually destined for the blending vats, few Islay devotees will have had the opportunity to compare this against its smokier sibling. A wonderful exercise for your next whisky tasting! Bottled in 2006 after maturation in first fill Bourbon casks. Natural cask strength.

Tasting note: Nose: Very clean fresh and slightly sweet with touches of raspberry leaf, melon balls/rind, green banana. Fruity and gentle but seems young. Palate: Light and lively. Juicy mid palate with that melon character coming to the fore. Delightful. Finish: Fresh, slightly green grassy. Comment: Not what you expect from Caol Ila though this unpeated style has been made for blending for 20 years or more. Rating: 8/10
- David Broom, www.whiskymag.com

Other reviews... 'no faulting its structure and depth. Scores higher on novelty than genuine thrills - but entirely enjoyable malt. 59.8% Alc./Vol. Rating: 87 points. - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2008.

'...The characteristic Caol Ila soapy, resiny nose is there, plus fresh fruits and spice. The palate is distinctly lively, with a fruity sherbet fizz. Lingering fruit and finally pepperiness characterise the finish. Fascinating to compare with the ‘regular’ Caol Ila, and I’d love to try it at 12. A malt worthy of release in its own right'. - www.whisky-pages.com