2014 Signatory Vintage Caol Ila 10 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #28 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Here’s another giveaway gem from Signatory's 100 proof series. So consistent is Caol Ila that it would be boring if not for the fabulous quality of the distillate, and the fact that it often excels at ten years old - or younger. Even non-peaters will adore the top notes of sea breeze that resonate with deeper scents of peat reek, kelp, miso soup, smoked ham and oily cured meats. Add first and re-fill oloroso and there’s even more to enjoy - a fatter, richer mouthfeel compared to plain old bourbon, slightly sweeter than usual, oily and vibrant in a lush delivery that melds disparate notes of dark chocolate, dates, lanolin, kelp and white pepper into the whisky equivalent of 'umami'. Catalytic with minimal water in the sense it just gets more mouth filling, and seemingly, more intense, in particular that tea-smoked meat character comes through; the complexity is high and will keep you coming back. Bottled non chill filtered and close to cask strength, the asking price defies market trends. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... Another great example of the best quality/price ratio bottlings right now. We will miss them a lot when they are over...Very rounded Islay peat smoke plus a bit of sweetness and bitterness of the oloroso butts. Great job Signatory, great job. - whiskybase.com

...An excellent Islay expression. Interesting balance of salty, medicinal, peaty, and savory nuances. Nose: Rock salt, delicate smoked bacon and iodine-sterile medicinal bandage,all wrapped in an earthy peaty undertone. Taste: Clean, bright smoke, salty, savory, hints of toffee. Finish: Light peat over sea notes that continue for long after last sip. - whiskybase.com