Caol Ila 2010 Oloroso Finish
Cask Type: Hogshead
Bottled: 2023
Age: 13
Region: Islay
No. of bottles: 269
ABV: 56.5%
Release: Summer Release 2023
Jonny McMillan
“Peat and sherry is a difficult balancing act to get right, and whenever choosing to rerack a heavily peated whisky into sherry I quake at the idea of the Whiskyfun reviews, but actually I think we’ve got the balance just right here, it’s a great dram.”
Tasting Notes
The interplay of peat and Sherry commences immediately with aromas of tarry peat smoke, rich Oloroso Sherry, iodine and prunes, with a suggestion of fireworks and beef jerky. The palate is equally robust and complex with Caol Ila’s sooty peat smoke wrapped in layers of dried fruit and citrus, with notes of vanilla pods, spice markets and salty coastal breeze building with time. Waves of full, oily Sherry wood roll across the finish, with lasting peat smoke. A robust and vigorous dram, best enjoyed with robust friends over vigorous conversation.
Distillery
Caol Ila Distillery is near Port Askaig, looking across the Sound of Islay to neighbouring Jura. Its whisky is very well respected for both its distinctive, smoky Islay style and elegant, fruity balance.
Doug says: “Once one of Islay’s lesser known distilleries mainly being used to add some smoke to Diageo’s blends, Caol Ila has had a spotlight shone on it by many Independent bottlers over the last decade or so including BB&R. Whilst still a powerfully peaty whisky, Caol Ila shows finesse also; often giving a zesty citrus character alongside bags of coastal peat.”