Whisky: Caol Ila 15 Year, Flora & Fauna

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 43%

Cask: Oak

Age: 15 Year

Nose: Musty coastal warehouses with saline air, dank underbrush, and a kiss of industrial soot or old oil-stained rags; subtle metallic undertones lead to sun-bleached wooden crates and benches as sweet tropical guava, lime, and mango slipped in with a touch of cream.

Palate: Light-bodied, gentle industrial and coastal elements turned quickly toward sweet, almost creamy, fruits with a kiss of salt and citrus; metallic with hints of rusted iron, coal soot, and tar as a clean maritime brine washed in more guava, mango, and subtle vanilla-bourbon ice cream.

Finish: Medium-length with a kiss of salt and creamy fruit.

Score: 6 (80)

Mental Image: Abandoned Warehouse Shave Ice Stand

Narrative & Notes: A stunning contrast of coastal industrial notes and clean topical fruits came together on this Caol Ila.  I loved the balance between musty, slightly funky, dirty shop rags, petrol, tar, and coal soot with the sweeter fruits that emerged— slowly on the aroma and more quickly on the palate. A mellow metallic quality linked the various aspects, with more wood joining it on the aroma.  The balance was immaculate, and while I wish there were a bit more body on the palate, the flavor combination was excellent, and the finish was longer than I expected.

Overall, this was shockingly my first experience with the Flora and Fauna range, considering how long it has been around— I have no idea how many other releases in it compare to this, but this was great. If only this were heavier and a bit richer, it would have been truly fantastic.