Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Islay

The single malt produced by the Caol Ila distillery is used in many blends, including Johnnie Walker. It is also a favourite with independent bottlers. Selected from the famous Gordon & MacPhail trading house, founded in 1895, this version deserves every superlative.

Exceptional in its finesse, overwhelming in its naturalness and a true source of inspiration, its range of aromas and flavours takes us, driven by a gentle breeze, to the shores of the Isle of Islay, just a stone’s throw from Port Askaig.

Nose : Fine, precise. Mineral (shale) iodized (shellfish), slightly empyreumatic (pilsner), peaty, smoky, ashy and lemony, the aromatic palette is an exact definition of Caol Ila. On aeration, essential oils (Savory, rosemary), heady flowers and white pepper give it enormous class and volume.

Appearance : Bright gold.

Palate : Delicate, balanced. Rocky, marine (kelp, seaweed), saline and medicinal (balsam), the palate reveals new citrus fruits (grapefruit, lime). Increasingly ashy and mineral (asphalt), it gradually becomes refreshed by infusions of thyme and chamomile. A magnificent wine.

Overall : Long, racy. Back in malty territory but remarkably fresh at the same time, the tasting continues with more gourmet flavours (vanilla custard, coconut cake…). Smooth (stick), chocolatey and fruity (pear), the aftertaste is very ‘Caolilian’.