Today’s episode is my 100th review here on dramlicious.com! And what would be better than to celebrate this special occasion with a special whisky?

This Caol Ila 2001 is part of Gordon & MacPhail’s ‘Private Collection’,

a range of single malt whiskies personally selected by the Directors of Gordon & MacPhail. Each is of exceptional age and rarity, and of outstanding character and quality.

Now, I don’t think that 13 years are “exceptional” old for any single malt, but I don’t want to spill the beans. What makes this single malt so special is its 18 month long finish in casks Hermitage wine casks. Hermitage is a wine appellation in the northern Rhone valley in France and is famous for its red wine made from the Syrah grape.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Caol Ila 2001
Bottler:	Gordon & MacPhail
Bottling Series:	Private Collection
Distilled:	29.08.2001
Bottled:	14.04.2015
Age:	13 Years Old
Category:	Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery:	Caol Ila
Cask Type:	Hermitage Wine Casks Finish
No. of Bottles:	3600
Strength:	45.0% vol.
Colored:	No
Chill Filtered:	No

Nose

Pleasant and quite strong aroma of smoked ham, accompanied by delicate peat smoke and a fine summer-like sweetness. Followed by dark cherries, strawberries and red berries. Overall not as winery as expected which is not a bad thing in my books. Hints of iodine in the back.

Taste

Unexpectedly strong given the 45%. A very delightful, sweet peat smoke balanced by toffee, strawberries and raspberries. Hints of oak and rose pepper.

Finish

Long. Again sweet smoke. Red berries covered in dark chocolate.

Overall

A pretty superb dram! The wine finish plays more of a support role which I really like. A wonderful combination between smoke and a summer-like sweetness of red fruits.

Score: 90 / 100