Tasting Note:
A limited edition, unpeated, natural cask strength single malt. Distilled in 2000, from refill American Oak hogsheads and refill European Oak butts. Adopting the forceful style of earlier unpeated expressions, this complex Caol Ila, is youthful and vibrant with glorious fruit and hints of smoke. Pale gold with green lights and fine, brief beading. On the nose it is delicate and precise, fresh and squeaky-clean, opening with fresh green apple and a soft, creamy layer of toffee and malt. Light-bodied, the palate is powerful yet essentially fresh, light and spirited, with a sweet taste overall. There’s cooling menthol, sharp fruit, then lots of malt and toffee. Much more accessible when reduced with water, the taste now soft, lightly sweet and succulent; the fruity sweetness balanced by salt and slightly sour (as with bitter lemons). Ending chewy, with more fruit, barley sugar and mint. The finish is compelling, though still powerful. Deeply warming, with bracing late menthol and eucalyptus.