2010 Caol Ila 7 Year Old "Sovereign" K&L Exclusive Single Sherry Finished Butt Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml)

Oh Caol ila. We love you so much. There's just something about this malt that gets me everytime. It doesn't have the fanfare or mystery of the distillers on the southern coast (Lagavulin, Ardbeg, Laphroaig), but it does have some of the best peated malt in the world. Often when the super geeks lament the loss of legends like Port Ellen, we must reminded ourselves that we have a living legend near the little Port Askaig. Few seem to truly appreciate it majesty mostly because the owners don't care to make a big deal of it. But, this wonderful cask is something we rarely ever see - sherried Caol Ila! We've had Caol Ila finished in sherry before but here we've got an old used butt refreshed in Scotland with new sherry. After some time seasoning it was filled with this Caol Ila for a true maturation not just a finish. The result is not something hinting toward a sherried peater, but instead the full hog real deal. It almost feels like cheating. Apparently cheating tastes great sometimes because this stuff is on another level. Deep roasty bbq smoke, dense nutty toffee, leather, tar and salted fruit. The big bold peat (ozone, iodine, bacon smoke and leather) continues on the palate, but is tempered with a sweet dried fruit and smoldering cedar. With water it lightens a bit but keeps its hefty character and rich texture. Adding a bit of salinity and some burnt citrus peel which makes it feel almost refreshing. For some this will easily be the best value whisky of the year. Others might appreciate the depth and complexity. For the peat haters we have other things for you.