Caol Ila – Distillers Edition (70cl, 43%)

This is a Caol Ila Distillers Edition, an Islay single malt bottled by the distillery at 43% in a 70cl bottle. It is chill-filtered and has added colour. The whisky first matures in refill casks of American and European oak. A second maturation follows in American oak casks that previously held Moscatel, re-charred inside and fitted with new, heavily charred ends. The Distillers Edition series has appeared every year since 1997, and here the strong smoke is joined by sweetness and restrained fruit. The nose is smoky and spicy, with fresh notes of a campfire put out with water. The palate is medium-bodied, firm, oily and smooth, sweet at first before strong smoke arrives. The finish is long, smoky and spicy, and warming.