2008 Caol Ila 13 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Sherry Butt Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

When we say refill sherry we mean it. This one is the color of white wine. That's a good sign in my book. While I love peat and sherry together, there's a loss of purity that I often crave, especially when I'm reaching for a Caol Ila. That's not say this cask is merely a vessel, it's got some unique character that I'd attribute to the larger container, but nothing that I'd necessarily describe as "sherry". These Caol Ila's we're getting are starting to get up there in age and I just can't believe we're able to do it for $75. I can't even get the low proof distillery bottling on the shelf for under $100 these days. Anyway, I won't ask to many questions why, but we'll just keep buying them until our suppliers get wise. Again, the color is white wine. The nose is dark wet smoldering peat -somewhat outside the norm for caol ila. Behind that you've got salted fish, gooseberries, mesquite and menthol. On the palate again a darker smoldering peat than we're used to at first, but quickly brightens with some lovely citrus and yellow fruit. Texture is very rich and finish is extremely long. With a few drops of water, we're much closer to the classic linear peat profile. Less fish and more citrus. On the palate, gorgeous snappy peat, fabulous luscious texture and a long smoldering finish. Caol Ila is just so goddamned good, we just can't get enough of it.