Caol Ila 10 Year SMWS 53.317 “Burial at sea”
Whisky : Caol Ila 10 Year SMWS 53.317 “Burial at sea”
Country/Region : Scotland/Islay
ABV : 58%
Cask : Refill Ex-Bourbon
Age : 10 Years (Distilled 20 Feb. 2009)
Nose : Herbal, smokey, and intensely maritime. Tide pools and fish markets promised the sea with notes of roasted buckwheat, waterlogged wood, smoked fish, and citrus. The impression of bonito flakes swam into view overtime with neoprene wetsuits and burning pine.
Palate : Medium to thick body with an oily mouthfeel and notes of sugars, herbs, and saltwater. Sweet spiced chai tea in one hand, a burning torch in another, the palate was crisp and clean as it transitioned between toasted buckwheat, saltwater taffy, an old charcoal grill, and sweet citrus zest.
Finish : Lingering maritime influence with subtle tropical citrus.
Score : 8
Mental Image : Chai tea in a stormbound Lighthouse
Notes : The SMWS codename on this was apt, I can easily picture a ship going down in storm tossed seas— though maybe I have been reading too many maritime tales of late. I was left with the impression of a storm raging around me though, rather than suffering through the wind and salt, I was in a stone lighthouse. The cold salty air hung close to me, but a warm sweet cup of tea kept the worst of it away.
Overall, this was delicious and intense with loads of complexity to unpack with every sip. This certainly would not be for everyone— especially if you do not like particularly maritime drams. However, if the ocean calls, then this will get you there.
