SMOS Caol Ila 8YR KWM Cask 50ml MINI

Tasting Notes

Andrew's Tasting Note

Nose: smoked haddock chowder, rustic bread and farmhouse butter; I'm in the Old Kiln (I know, I know, this isn't Ardbeg but I'm transported); coal dust, chewy malt; crisp smoke, firm leather and a dash of lemon and lime.

Palate: here we go, warm, earthy and smoky with a base of honey, vanilla and crisp spices: more lemon and lime; the sherry elements grow in prominence over time adding Demerara, some dark fruits and loads of spice: clove, fennel seed and Dutch licorice; more smoked haddock and chewy malt (my hearty bread), dark earthy peat and sea weed; thick, oily and warm but without a sharp or rough edge.

Finish: long, thick and coating, the soft peaty oils and spices cling to your palate while crisp smoke, smoked haddock and chewy malt slowly fade away.

Comment: big and bold but balanced for a young malt tipping the scales at well over 60%; lots of layers given its youth, the sherry notes build over time balancing the brash young peat and smoke; the nose transported me to Islay, to one of my favourite places to sit, dine and dram, the Old Kiln Cafe; the palate is layered and satisfying, but also leaves me wanting more; more whisky adventures, more smoked haddock chowder, and a return to my spiritual home!

Evan's Tasting Note

Nose: Seafood on the barbecue, root beer, chocolate mousse, basil leaves, Vicks Vapour Rub, fruit leather, burning firewood, salty black licorice,  murky rock pools and an ocean breeze.

Palate: Smokey and salty with more burnt wood notes, steak sauce, baked dates wrapped in prosciutto, beef jerky, ginger beer, Fisherman's Friend lozenges, molasses ginger snaps, and coarsely ground black pepper.

Finish: Salty, smokey and coastal with a slight dryness and cooling note.

Comment: Bold young Caol Ila rides the waves and crashes right into a big ex-Sherry Butt. Who wins? We do!