Caol Ila Young & Feisty Provenance

Caol Ila Young & Feisty Provenance, NAS, 46 %

The independent bottler Douglas Laing has released some no age statement (NAS) whiskies in the range Provenance which are called Young & Feisty. My husband has written about Bunnahabhain Young & Feisty, and now I will share my tasting notes on Caol Ila Young & Feisty.

I tasted the whisky from what Douglas Laing call a 'hipflask'.

The whisky is available in Norway at NOK 249 for the 20 cl hipflask (item number 1734004). It is not available in Sweden.

Nose (22/25): Sweet and fresh with malt, licorice and citrus. I often find that this combination makes me think of cough medicine and Kick (licorice candy). And of course the smoke and peat is present. Sea and sand. Well, I have to admit that it smells quite like a new make, a very good new make, but I like it very much!

Taste (22/25): A bit watery at first. But after a few sips the mouthfeel became more rich. The salt, licorice and smoke from the smell is still here. Maybe a little taste of new make as well.

Finish (22/25): Surprisingly long finish, I think, compared to the new make-y smell and taste. Still there is salt, smoke and licorice, and in addition I find ashes. Quite a lot of it, actually. It becomes chewy in the end.

Balance (22/25): In my opinion the whisky definitely lives up to its name! Young & Feisty it is. It is very pale, again almost like a new make. Although it reminds me of a new make, especially on the nose, the taste and finish makes it seem older. My guess is that it has matured in a relatively passive cask or well-used cask.

Score (88/100)

- Tone