Smoky Scot Caol Ila Aged 5 Years Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky – Murray McDavid (700ml)

Volume: 700ml            ABV: 46%              Age: 5 Years                Country: Scotland

The ‘Smoky Scot‘ is a new bottling from Aceo Ltd, an Independent bottler operating out of the defunct Coleburn distillery in the heart of Speyside. They offer a wide range of services for other cask owners and other independent bottlers. The company took over Murray McDavid from Mark Reynier when Bruichladdich was sold off to Remy Cointreau.

The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather.As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky.

This particular whisky is from the Caol Ila distillery and has been matured for a minimum 5 years in ex-bourbon American oak casks. Heavily peated and non chill-filtered with no added colour.The whisky itself is quite pale in colour but that is expected of a Caol Ila whisky at 5 years old. They always say if you want to experience the really peated whiskies drink them young and this is probably one of those whiskies.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Bernaise sauce, freshly cut lemons, vanilla, tinned pineapples, cardamon and smoked heather.

Taste: Butter and heaps of fruity notes. Chargrilled pineapples, lemon zest, bonfire embers and vanilla.

Finish: Barrel char, creamy smoke, white pepper and dried herbs.