Recent Release: Caol Ila 2001 12 Year Old Ian Macleod Chief's Choice #309965-309966

Smooth and pleasant Caol Ila. Well-crafted. Caol Ila CAOL ILA 2001-2014 12yo IAN MACLEOD CHIEFTAIN'S CHOICE #309965-309966 43% One of 911 bottles, Hogshead The aroma is vibrant with fresh lemon, green apple, vanilla, sweet grain, pistachio, faint saltiness, strong peat. The palate is smooth and refreshing, gradually revealing spicy pepper, slightly concentrated fresh lemon, vanilla syrup sweetness, strong smoke, with a short but pleasant finish. 【Good/Very Good】 This is the Caol Ila 2001, 12-year-old release from Chief's Choice. The aroma is vibrant with fresh citrus and green apple notes, along with a clear sense of peat. Perhaps due to the water addition, the grain character didn't feel particularly youthful. The palate is smooth and refreshing, with fresh bourbon cask-like nuances similar to the aroma, but without youthful sharpness, offering a balanced flavor profile. Naturally, there's also a strong peaty smokiness that would satisfy Islay whisky enthusiasts. Though likely a watered-down bottling from two bourbon hogsheads, this is an exceptionally smooth and refreshing expression for a short-aged Islay malt.