Caol Ila (1997) Distillers Edition

Review by: TOModera

Next up we have Mystery #2. Yes, you’ve all heard about it, it’s Mystery #2 from ounknownto (that’s sarcasm).

I had trouble with the last one, so let’s see if I can figure out the next one.

Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Islay, Scotland.

ABV: 43%.

Age: Distilled in 1997. Bottled in 2010.

Cask type: Double Matured in Moscatel Wood.

Price: N/A.

Color: Light yellow & orange.

Nose: Peat/smoke, sweet cinnamon, rubber, licorice, butterscotch, little brine

As I smell the light amount of peat, I start wondering about different distilleries. It could be BenRiach, however they tend to surprise you on the taste. It isn’t smelling like an Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Kilchoman, or Caol Ila. Well, maybe Caol Ila, however I remember more smoke.

It does remind me of a Laphroaig as I nose it. Little more brine, less peat yet more smoke. However I’m not sold 100%.

Nice amount of sweetness on the nose too. Adds a nice dimension to the peat.

Taste: Molasses, rubber, porter beer, butter, caramel, mint

I’m still learning the inns and outs of porter, so accept my apologies of calling something “porter” at the moment. It reminded me of that part way through.

Tastes sweet, again, though there’s definitely some ex-Bourbon cask going on here. Caramel/butter notes are pretty sweet. It’s nice, and I enjoy it, however it’s not super complex.

Finish: Chocolate, floral, peat, cranberry, dark caramel, umami, light pepper, salt

There’s a lot going on in the end. A lot. Chocolate notes all over the place. And as a guy trying to cut back on chocolate, that’s amazing. I’m within a foot of M&Ms and I’m not craving them.

It’s a good thing.

Anyway, I’m lost at this point. I thought I knew what this was, and now I’m just guessing.

Conclusion: Overall a nice dram. Low levels of peat/smoke, with enough sweetness to really develop. Little bits of brine in the nose, which makes me think it’s an Island or Islay whisky. Some butter in the taste, which makes me drool. And then I’m slapped about by caramel, chocolate, and dark fruits, mixed with umami and salt. Great finish. Most of the score is because of the interesting finish and fun nose.

As for what it is, I’m at a loss. This is a write off this time, so /u/ounknownto, please help me lower my already sinking success rate at mystery drams, and tell the people what I’m missing!

Final Score: 83.

Guess: Laphroaig QA

Actually: Caol Ila Distiller’s Edition 2010

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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