Whisky: Caol Ila 9 Year (2010) Archives Cask 310337 "Butterflies from the USA"

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 56.9%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 9 Years (Distilled 1 June 2010, Bottled Aug. 2019)

Nose: Coastal and citrusy with hot tar and creosote from nearby roadwork and the sweetness of melting gummy bears; maritime brine with dried kelp, mint, and hints of vanilla; bruised lemons in old wooden barrels— a different sort of pirate booty.

Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, big burst of salted lemons, soot and smoke further in the background; tingling brine and curing white oak, salted lemon peel gummy bears; water brought forward more orange and a touch of cream while pushing the smoke toward medicinal herbs and burning grass,

Finish: Medium to long with salty, citrusy candies and a touch of beach tar.

Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Gummy Bear Overboard!

Narrative & Notes: The aroma and palate matched nicely, with big maritime brine and explosive citrus rampaging throughout. The nose offered more acrid elements with fresh asphalt and road work, while the palate turned toward sweeter notions of lemon peel gummy bears and salted plums.  A few drops of water focused the citrus into more distinctive lemon and orange while drawing out some of the medicinal herbs that hung in the background of the aroma.  The finish was nice and long, with gentle saline and citrusy candies.

This was about what you would expect from a young Caol Ila—big, brash, and easily tamed by a bit of water. I have no complaints beyond it turning a bit too sweet for my taste—though it could be more spirited than some might prefer, water helped to even it out. Otherwise, it delivered exactly what it was supposed to, no more, no less.