Whisky : Caol Ila 11 Year SMWS 53.297 “Stampede of peat”

Country/Region : Scotland/Islay

ABV : 58%

Cask : Refill Hogshead

Age : 11 Years (Distilled 24 Sept. 2007)

Nose : Loads of heady maritime salt, burning green wood, medicinal iodine, and band-aides— this is a sinus clearing dram.  Lemon scented cleaning products drift forward along with murky mop water.  There is a bit of butterscotch sweetness to the nose, but it is mostly dominated by the maritime, medicinal, chemical notes.

Palate : Medium bodied with a dry salty astringency— the body starts off with activated charcoal hygiene products, lemon scented furniture polish, and chimney smoke.  Smoked nuts, burnt hair, and peanut brittle develop over time.

Finish : Boiled peanuts linger for while along with black pepper and a bit of spice.

Score : 5

Mental Image :  Classy Dumpster Fire.

Something Better : Glenallachie 9 Year SMWS 107.13 (similar peanut brittle, more spice, less charcoal)

Something Similar : Kilchoman 5 Year 100% Islay (similar citrus/charcoal, more meat and pastry)

Notes :  An uncomplicated and solid Caol Ila.  I enjoyed sipping on this, but not enough that I would run out and grab a bottle.  I have had Caol Ila from SMWS with sharper maritime notes, more interesting medicinal notes, or delicious hints of tropical fruits— this one was a bit too one note.  This bottle would be a great grab for someone on the lookout for a dram with a very Laphroaig profile of iodine, soot, and bandages.  At moments, this reminded me strongly of the 10 Year Cask Strength release, but with a little bit more depth.  Ultimately it was a perfectly fine bottle with a lot to love, just nothing that really drew me in.