Caol Ila 13 Years 2009/2024 - Islay Sponge - Part 6

This is the last of the 'low hanging' distilleries in our Islay Sponge series; the jury remains out on just when exactly we'll bottle a Port Ellen or Lagavulin... For now though, this is a gorgeous multi-vintage and nicely sherried Caol Ila 13-year-old that perfectly represents this Islay stalwart in our Islay Sponge series. A 50/50 mix of a 2009 refill sherry hogshead and 2010 1st fill sherry hogshead, this shows off the Caol Ila distillate in full, peaty glory, while gently draping everything in a gentle tinge of clean sherry.

Tasting Notes

Nose: very peaty, smoky and salty, with a strong suggestion of maturity and richness! Quite emphatically 'Caol Ila!'. There's also loads of coastal freshness, a salty, rugged and earthy sherry note and lots of medicinal character.

Palate: huge arrival on the palate, there is plenty up front Caol Ila purity, but it's balanced by these nutty and salty refill sherry notes, along with sooty peat, kippers, pure tar and preserved lemons in brine.

Finish: long, salty, peaty and with some cured meats, salted almonds and liquorice.