New Release: Caol Ila 1999-2017 18 Year Old GM RESERVE for Japan Import System #305349 58.1%

I felt that the original spirit and cask characteristics were somewhat mismatched. Caol Ila CAOL ILA 1999-2017 18yo GM RESERVE for JAPAN IMPORT SYSTEM #305349 58.1%, one of 233 bottles, Refill Sherry Hogshead The aroma is a strong recent sherry with berries and plum jam, American cherry, caramel, smoked fish and meat, and a strong iodine note. When tasted, it has a rich sherry character with the sweetness of plum jam and some sulfurous elements from meat, a moderate astringency, and umami from seafood stock. The body is not heavy but has a savory depth. [Good/Very Good] Recently released, this is the Caol Ila 1999, 18-year-old reserve bottling by GM for the Japan Import System. It was matured in a refill sherry hogshead, and while it has a solid sherry character that dominates the overall profile, there is also a lighter original spirit character typical of Caol Ila. Despite that, it remains firmly peaty and representative of an Islay malt. Despite its high alcohol content, it doesn't feel particularly heavy. It may not fully embrace the sulfurous cask characteristics, but for those who aren't bothered by sulfurous notes, it could be considered a gentle and easy-to-drink sherried Islay malt. #Caol Ila (CAOL ILA)