Elements of Islay Cl1 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)

One of a new collection of seriously fun whiskies produced by Specialty Drinks to celebrate Islay. The series is produced by vatting several barrels of whisky from a single distillery. Staff have tasted these whiskies informally and tell us no proper notes were taken because "they're for drinking, not thinking!" This is consistent with the plethora of whisky 'bloggers' all singing the same tune; these are bold, powerful and flavoursome whiskies - in some cases some of the most exciting and lively expressions released anywhere, anytime.

This CI1 bottling comes from the Caol Ila distillery, owned and operated by drinks giant Diageo on the western coast of Islay. Caol Ila is renowned for being one of the more approachable malts of Islay, typically medium bodied and produced using lower peating levels than Ardbeg or Laphroaig.

Stocks of all three varieties are very limited. Due to the method employed when producing these whiskies, only very small quantities were produced, some whiskies from as few as nine casks.

Tasting note: Very pale straw colour with a water like hue. The nose is very shy. Subdued notes of cocoa and oatmeal while the peat has adopted a delicate, restrained stance being sweet and fine, reminiscent of incense and sweet herbs. The aromas follow through on the palate along with a combination of vanilla, cereals and elastoplast. This vatting breaks the shackles by Caol Ila standards - it's punchy and powerful. The texture is a bit prickly and there's some heat to the spirit. Finish is bittersweet with the spice lingering alongside charry, cedary oak. Caol Ila at full throttle. 62.9% Alc./Vol.

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