2013 Caol Ila 12 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogsheads Cask Strength Single Refill Hogshead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

If you weren’t aware, I’m a total sucker for Caol Ila. It’s a very large distillery, but only a fraction of its total production makes it out as single malt. I’ve even heard rumors that significant quantities of unpeated malt are produced for their blending needs. One thing I love about Caol Ila is that, like some of its Islay neighbors, it’s remarkably multifaceted. It’s difficult to determine whether these stylistic ranges are intentional, like Bruichladdich, or seasonal, like Laphroaig, but we have three barrels this year of different styles and ages, each in classic refill hogsheads. The idea was to capture three faces of Caol Ila and present them at stupendous prices. This second barrel from Old Particular is starting to offer a mellower side of the wonderful north shore distiller. The color is a bright yellow gold (0.4). The nose is surprisingly soft and rich, with tons of sweet smoky malt coupled with sweet candied lemon. There's some lovely soft oak to mellow to already opulent feeling nose and hints of smoked meats. With air, the shocking sweetness continues, but the palate pulls us back toward peaty heaven. Dense dark meaty smoke envelopes the sweet lemon nose and doesn't relent. Smoking embers, mesquite, dark ashy wood, and a tense meaty finish. A totally wonderful and unexpected side of this fabulous distillery.