Whisky : Caol Ila 7 Year SMWS 53.325 “When two powerful pearls meet”

Country/Region : Scotland/Islay

ABV : 61.2%

Cask : Ex-Bourbon 6Y, Refill Madeira 1Y

Age : 7 Years (Distilled 7 March 2012)

Nose : Opens into salty sea breezes, driftwood bonfire, and a smoky gorgonzola.  Sweeter notes appear as candied nuts, strawberry jam, molasses, and pineapple upside down cake.  A few drops of water brought out wine cured meats, earthy mushroom, and a mild creaminess.

Palate : Thick and heavy, this viscous spirit lays down across the palate.  Rich notes of dried fruits, condensed milk, and cured meats— soppressata or smoked maple bacon.  Spices slowly come into focus with pepper, shiso, salt, and lemon peel.  Sweet wood fire smoke arrives at the end along with toffee and salty caramel.  A few drops of water brought out impressions of grilled strawberries, slightly bitter herbs, and creaminess.

Finish : Lingering sweet wood char and caramel.

Grade : 7

Mental Image : Roast Pork Margarita

Something Better : Octomore 6Y 2007 Sauternes R&BT (similar cured meats & cheese, more citrus)

Something Similar : Eigashima 12Y Peated CS (similar strawberry & grill smoke, more pastry)

Something Worse : Elements of Islay Peat & Sherry (similar fruit, spice, & smoke, less body, sweeter)

Notes : I have actually had a few cocktails that involved meat— usually a stick of bacon, a slice of steak, or a crispy bite of pork belly— but with this I just imagine someone taking barbecue pork seasoning, fruit juice, rum, and sticking a rib right in on the side.  I am not sure if I am disgusted or intrigued, probably a little bit of both. I have never too taken with \ meat themed cocktails, but that has not stopped me from thinking with my stomach and trying out a few.  I should really learn to order my meat and drink separate like an adult.

This was powerful— the SMWS name makes total sense; Islay as the pearl of the Hebrides, Madeira as the pearl of the Atlantic— and boy did they bring the flavor.  This bold concoction of heavily peated Caol Ila and a cask that must have been dripping with sugary madeira clashed in the glass in ways that were at once exciting, but also a bit distracting.  This dram pulled in so many different directions with ripe strawberries, funky salty cheese, and caramelized pork crackling.

Overall, a really interesting dram with a lot to love, but not something I am in the mood for all that often.  It was slightly on the sweet side for my taste, though I did love the thick and oily mouthfeel.