Whisky: Caol Ila 10 Year (2012), Hart Bros. for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 57.1%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 10 Years (Distilled June 2012, Bottled Sept. 2022)

Nose: Creosote and vanilla bean ice cream with hints of chocolate, burning grass, and coastal brine; asphalt, burning green wood, and beach tar with a touch of ash.

Palate: Medium-bodied and oily, candied asphalt and brine, burning medicinal herbs, driftwood, creosote and tar, tonka beans, maritime brine throughout with subtle smoked kippers.

Finish: Medium-bodied with brine, ash, and medicinal herbs.

Score: 6 (77)

Mental Image: Jelly Beans Coastal Collection

Narrative & Notes: A classic bruiser of a Caol Ila in no need of deep analysis. This was a touch more industrial and dirty than some of its close kin— and to be sure, there is no shortage of ten-year Caol Ila, not yet anyway— without nearly as much citrus fruit as some. There were hints of dessert with vanilla and sugary candies, but this was just about all maritime brine and smoke with a lovely dose of pavement and asphalt.

Overall, intense and simple— a bruising, amped-up version of the classic 12 Year. On the downside, it was missing some of the fruit that could have carried it up to another level and carried a bit too much sweetness for my taste. It felt a little unbalanced, but it was otherwise a no-frills, cost-effective, and tasty peat bomb.