Whisky: Caol Ila 14 Year “Four Corners”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 53%

Cask: Recharr and Refill Hogsheads

Age: 14 Years (Bottled 2022)

Nose: Coastal dunes with brine, dried grass, tar, and sand; driftwood with hints of camphor and mothballs; heather with charred shellfish and subtle barbecue smoke.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, coastal and medicinal with cooling menthol, camphor, and citronella; a touch of meaty tinned smoked fish in oil, gentle brine, black pepper, occasional bursts of lemon with tarragon, sage, and creosote. Water brought out more citrus and fruits.

Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying with medicinal herbs and a touch of citrus.

Score: 7 (82)

Mental Image: The Apothecary Porpoise

Narrative & Notes: This lovely Caol Ila balanced classic elements of citrus, smoke, sea, and medicinal herbs—though I found it leaned decisively in a medicinal direction at times. A few drops of water rearranged some of the flavors, bringing out more of the citrus and maritime elements and tamping down on the herbal character. The aroma was all coastal dunes and burning herbs—perhaps an old sanatorium and retreat for tuberculosis sufferers? Or maybe I have been lecturing on disease too much lately.

The flavors and mouthfeel were balanced and enjoyable to drink, though I kept hoping for some additional meaty depth— especially those grilled shellfish notes on the nose. Still, everything was classically Caol Ila, so perhaps it is silly to complain about the absence of elements that are not even typically there.

Overall, bog standard, but lovely.