Advent 2022 #24 - Caol Ila 17 Unpeated Special Release 2015

Now this is one I’m excited about. I found it intriguing to begin with, and a number of people have commented on my posts recommending unpeated Caol Ila. Let’s get into it and find out how unfortunate I find it that they seem to have discontinued this annual release.

Caol Ila 17 Unpeated Special Release 2015, Islay Single Malt, 55.9% ABV

Minutia: Distilled in 1997 from unpeated barley and matured for 17 years in ex-boubon casks. Reviewed blind, neat in an opaque glencairn.

Color: Amontillado Sherry; 0.9.

Nose: Sweet malt, honey.

Taste: Like an intense version of the nose, emphasis on the sweetness. Saltiness builds as it sits in your mouth.

Finish: Malt, almost smoky. Earthy.

Guess: Unpeated Caol Ila

The above are just copied from my written notes, and reflecting back on it as I typed them I can’t believe I didn’t write ‘grass’ anywhere. That was the overall feel along with the sweetness, and it’s what I believe I called ‘earthy’ in the finish. I wasn’t blown away by this, but I liked it and it’s one of the better unpeated whiskies I’ve had. I’m disappointed this isn’t a regular thing, hopefully there’s some stock out there aging to bring it back with the special releases.

Score: 84