Caol Ila – 12 Years Old (70cl, 43%)

This is a 12-year-old Islay single malt from the Caol Ila distillery, bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It combines fresh citrus, malty sweetness, gentle peat smoke and a salty note, with a smooth, lightly oily texture. The nose brings lemon and other citrus fruit with malt and a hint of peat smoke, while light medicinal notes, almond oil and sea air sit in the background. The palate opens soft and lightly sweet, with citrus and malt, before peat smoke, a little pepper and some saltiness appear. The finish is pleasantly long, with soft peat smoke, fresh acidity and a light, salty, faintly spicy touch.