2012 Lady of the Glen Caol Ila Single Cask #311196 9 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Tasting note: While there's been a steady and varied stream of indie Caol Ilas over the last few decades, we've never encountered one that's been finished in a Xynisteri dry white wine cask (the vineyard is in Cyprus). No doubt the intention is to compliment the distillate's citrussy character. The nose is pretty much text book as far as Caol Ila aromas go: All the usual suspects gang up in an expressive, maritime mix of sweet kipper, dried herbs, tobacco and salt. In the mouth, this feels more heavily peated than usual, and more peppery too. Digestif biscuits and elastoplast... Gives a bit of a tongue lashing, then finishes oily with lanolin, iodine and dark chocolate through the aftertaste. Ever reliable. 58.3% Alc./Vol. 307 bottles. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... Lemongrass, Smoky bacon and black pepper oatcake.