1997 Caol Ila 17 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2015) Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The 17 year old marks the tenth limited edition release of unpeated Caol Ila and the oldest so far. It's also the first of its kind to be exclusively matured in x Bourbon casks. Some tasters found it to be one of the more compelling whiskies in the 2015 collection - and certainly one of the best values. Expect fruity notes alongside hints of smoke and sea.

Tasting note: Bright gold. Needs considerable coaxing; delicate suggestions of dried citrus peel followed by oatmeal, cookie dough and dried grass-like notes, and despite being 'unpeated', there's a definite whiff of woolshed too. Semi sweet, quite peppery, with muted vanilla, dried citrus peel and hints of wax and lanolin at the finish. Hollows out a little early. Initially understated but builds aroma and body. Give this 10-15 minutes in the glass to fully reveal itself. 55.9% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Aged in first-fill American oak, this shows a real brightness, crisp fruit, and some smoke—it’s not really unpeated—and wet grass, before moving into pear and tarragon. The palate is intense, with a hay note, then an almost fino sherry-like note before sashimi emerges. Reduced, there’s more of a soft flow, though there’s still a touch of green olive minerality. A steal at this price. Snap it up. 89 points - www.maltadvocate.com (Winter 2015) Reviewed by: Dave Broom