This is a kind of neat concept with a couple expressions representing each element of whisky making. I also like Caol Ila, so that was enough to get it. Did it deliver.
Caol Ila 7, The Art of Whisky Malting, The Whisky Exchange, Islay Single Malt, 45.8% ABV
Minutia: Matured for 7 years in ex-Bourbon hogsheads and bottled at cask strength in 2017 resulting in 600 bottles. Reviewed blind, neat in a glencairn.
Color: White wine, 0.1.
Nose: Musty smoke, earthy, slight brine.
Taste: Oaky sweet, dirty, spice.
Finish: Very little for a second into smoke, earth, brine.
Guess: A Staoisha with a decent proof about 5-6 years old. Maybe a Caol Ila.
The color got me with how close this was to the extraordinarily transparent one from a couple days ago. This was just the tiniest bit darker, but not enough to get to the next decimal level. I kept thinking Caol Ila the whole time, but with the color similarity combined with how much it reminded me of the other one with the salinity toned down I couldn’t shake a young Staoisha. There is more ethanol sensation on the nose than I’d ever expect from this proof, but the light feel of the finish lines up with that. I suppose that color means they definitely let the focus of this be the malt rather than the cask. All in all, it was nice, but a bit “hot.”
Score: 85
Here are links to the other posts from this calendar:

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