This was another of the sibling casks bottled by Dramfool, while the others were moved to Bordeaux red wine or Sauternes for a period this remained in its original cask. It spent its entire maturation in an ex-bourbon barrel, providing a control against which to understand those others. I love the concept of taking these casks and releasing them together to gain a better understanding of the malt and cask— I only wish they had come in a smaller kit.

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Whisky: Caol Ila 14 Year (2008), Dramfool Cask 313329

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 57.7%

Cask: Bourbon Barrel

Age: 14 Years (Distilled 4 July 2008)

Notes: Coastal barbecue and charred fruit rose from the glass with brine, smoke, char, and more subtle notions of pineapple and jack fruit. The herb shop lingered further in with mugwort, mint, and chives— like pushing through Chinatown produce stalls in search of a deal while giving a quick check to some apricots and perilla. Medium-bodied on the palate, the flavor profile ran almost in reverse with plenty of pineapple, snake fruit, jack fruit, and tropical market fare running into apricots, dates, and goji berries. Fruity with an undercurrent of brine and mild acrid charcoal ash along the edges, it was always faintly medicinal as herbal mugwort and spearmint lingered in the background. The finish was medium to long with mellow grill ash, pepper, and plenty of caramelized fruity sugars.

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Score: 7-8 (85)

Mental Image: Produce Stall Meandering  

Conclusion: This was wonderfully fruity and clean, striking a brilliant balance between the coastal, fruity, and medicinal qualities of Caol Ila— with a bit of barbecue grill thrown in as well. The whisky reminded me of the collision of scents and tastes while navigating produce stalls and vendors during a busy Chinatown weekend— that aroma is never quite so pungent or lively during the regular week. It was a confusing melange at times, but structured well enough that it felt coherent. Overall, a strikingly delicious youngish Caol Ila. More please.