As many people know I’m not the biggest peated fan in the world but all my whisky friends keep sending me samples of this Islay malt or that one and as time goes past I must start to admit I’m getting into the peaty whisky but please don’t tell Ollie over at the whisky exchange.. Anyway Joe from the whisky Lounge very kindly sent over a few samples to try and yes you guessed it they were mostly peated ( thanks Joe) whenever I meet up with all the crew who used to be about the Whisky Shop in York ( John, Joe, Pete and the ever colourful Zoe.. ( a real star) and of course Ollie)  The banter always starts off with them telling me I can’t appreciate whisky without enjoying a good peated expression.. ( not sure how much longer I can keep it up ) So when Joe sent these samples I quite fancied the CAOL ILA as I find these not overly peated and quite a decent dram.. I have to admit too as the nights start to close in and the nights get colder it might just be time to warm up the cockles with a few Islay malts..

This sample is a 18yo Bottled at 40%abv and should be natural colour knowing these guys..

Nose..  A nice mix of smoke infused with citrus notes and fresh fruits, some nice toasted oak mingling with vanilla, caramel and toffee apples.. After a few mins you get more of a burnt sugar- roasted nut type of aroma all the time the soft peat compliments perfectly.

Palate.. A lovely balance of smoke, charcoal and toffee apples, vanilla and caramel mix perfectly with poached pear, maple syrup and heather honey.. Somewhere in the background you get hints of floral notes with chocolate and dried grass..

Finish.. Quite long and chewy..

Thoughts.. Yet another rather delicious expression released from The Whisky Lounge.. CAOL ILA is one Islay malt I like, not overpowering and full of very good flavour and aromas.. And another plus this does not loose anything having been bottled at 40% so if you can get your hands on a bottle then don’t hesitate..

My thanks go out to Joe and everyone at The Whisky Lounge for the sample..