A single cask release from the Caol Ila distillery on Islay, bottled by Signatory independent bottlers in their Cask Strength Collection range. Distilled on 14 June 2012, matured for 8 years in a first-fill ex-sherry butt and bottled on 11 November 2020. Only 525 bottles were produced. Naturally coloured and bottled at a cask strength of 57.8%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Both ample and airy. With its smoky, roasted, peaty, spicy (saffron, pepper) iodine and animal (bresaola) notes, the first nose is impressive. Gradually, black liquorice rubs shoulders with fragrances of cooked apricot, rhubarb and cola. The nose evokes still warm ashes in the hearth of the fireplace.

Palate: Firm, lively. Full of ardour, the attack in the mouth is bacon, empyreumatic (sleet), salty (seaweed) and chocolaty (100% dark chocolate). Tinged with exoticism (flambéed banana, passion), the mid-palate is medicinal, liquorice and roasted (coffee bean).

Finish: Long, unctuous. Rivalling with smoke and ashes, at the beginning of the finish, notes of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) highlight the magnificent influence of the sherry wine. In retro olfaction, the flavours of a powerful Havana permeate the taste buds. From the empty glass emerge fragrances of musk and camphor, as well as malted and smoked barley grains.

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