2007 Gordon & Macphail Connoisseurs Choice Caol Ila 13 Year Old Hermitage Cask Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

At whiskyfun.com where they've reviewed more Caol Ila's than anyone else on the planet, it goes by the nickname of "the sure bet" or "the peater that never disappoints". Here's another one with a secondary maturation. This particular expression is invariably one of the more popular G&M releases and represents the latest instalment of Caol Ila finished in red wine casks. Gordon & Macphail are unusual in being the only independent bottler to mature their whiskies on location at the Caol Ila distillery, rather than in a bonded warehouse on the mainland. After a period in first-fill bourbon and refill American casks, this spent a final maturation in x-Hermitage (French Shiraz) casks for just three years with an outturn of 3934 bottles. 45% Alc./Vol. Non Chill Filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Fruitcake and cherry aromas combine with sweet smoke.  Taste: Cured meat flavours are balanced by summer berries and almonds.  Finish: A medium-bodied finish with lingering bonfire embers.