Review by: The Muskox

Another young bourbon-cask Caol Ila, not much intrigue. How do bourbon drinkers ever think of anything to write about?

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Distillery: Caol Ila.

Bottler: Cooper’s Choice.

Region: Islay.

ABV: 55%. Cask strength.

Age: 8 years. Distilled in November 2012. Bottled in 2021.

Cask type: Cask #331912, a bourbon cask.

Price: $100 CAD.

Color: Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Tart coastal smoke. Smoldering grass, fireplace ash, bonito flakes… spicy pickles? Fragrant citrus, ginger, and lemongrass.

Palate: Medium texture. Arrives grassy, with hints of honey and yellow plums. Rich soot and antiseptic peat smoke on the development. Develops to ash, dark-roast coffee, peat bog and iodine.

Finish: Tart and savoury. Hardwood saplings, dashi, iodine, and slate. Gingerbread, toasted coconut, white cherries, and a little banana.

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Possible SMWS bottling name: “Islay Peat Cutter Simulator”

Conclusion: Straightforwardly Caol Ila, maybe a little more on the medicinal side than usual. A Caol Ila for Laphroaig fans! Is this my shortest review ever?

Final Score: 80.

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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.