Caol Ila – 16 Year Old (70cl, 53.2%)

This is a 16 year old Islay single malt from Caol Ila, a vatting of a few casks with an outturn of 2000 bottles. It is bottled at its full batch strength of 53.2% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It combines the sea spray and some of the peat of a younger Caol Ila with the softened smoke, depth and fruit of an older one. The nose opens with smouldering green leaves and smoke, then mint, tarragon, maple-cured bacon, sweet pastry, baked apple and pear, roasted pineapple and chocolate lime sweets. The palate has coal dust, peat, sharp apple, liquorice and tar. The finish is green and briny, with cocoa, lime, oatcakes, anise and mint imperials.