AD Rattray Caol Ila 2007 53.8% ABV (£86). One of only 278 bottles released of this whisky distilled at Caol Ila in Bourbon hogsheads. NCF & NC.
Appearance: Very light, sun-bleached straw/white wine spritzer. A thin film coats the glass with a hairline tide mark. Some medium legs and a few teardrops.
Nose: That lovely distant beach bonfire being used to cook slabs of meat. This has a citrus element to it too like someone’s set fire to a lime.
For the ABV the nose is surprisingly tame on the ethanol front. It carries the alcohol level very well (so far anyway).
Palate: Ooh, the ABV is more evident on the palate. A nice spicy/smokey/meaty/sweet mixture of flavours floods the tastebuds. A decent viscosity too. Again, there’s a slight dryness and also some chilli heat tingle.
There’s a mellow sweetness at play too, a custard-like vanilla smoke. Yes, after some time in the glass there is a more coastal feel about it. It evolves nicely and offers something different each sip.
Finish: Medium to long. The sweet smoke, slight spice and that smooth custard/chocolate note
Overall: I really like this one (Caol Ila makes me a liar AGAIN!). I’d happily purchase a bottle.
