Caol Ila 1997 17 YO Unpeated (Special Release 2015)

Caol Ila 1997 17 YO Unpeated (Special Release 2015), 55.9 %

I have yet to taste any of the Special Release 2017 expressions from Diageo, but while I wait I have tried this Special release from 2015. The Caol Ila 1997 17 YO Unpeated (Special Release 2015) was the tenth release in this particular series from Caol Ila.

Fully matured in ex-bourbon casks, and unusually enough - unpeated. This has been one of the most reasonably priced expressions among the annual Special Releases from Diageo.

The Caol Ila 1997 17 YO Unpeated (Special Release 2015) is now sols out, but you can probably find it on auction.

Nose: Chocolate and vanilla. Hints of dust and a cold fireplace. Dried herbs left in said fireplace. Soft maltiness and coconut. Improves nicely with time.

Taste: Full bodied and rich mouthfeel. Sugary and somewhat spicy. Actually, mainly sugary and green. Lots of herbal notes here.

Finish: Medium long finish. The herbs become more pronounced and it becomes rather dry towards the end.

Comments: A very fine dram, which sort of dies prematurely. Not much of a Caol Ila feel though, but that's ok.

Score (85/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas