The Caol Ila 1997 Unpeated Style is a distinctive 17-year-old single malt whisky hailing from the renowned Scottish island of Islay, brought to you by the illustrious Diageo Special Releases. What sets this whisky apart is its unpeated nature, a rarity from a distillery famous for its heavily peated expressions. Distilled in 1997 and matured for 17 years in ex-bourbon casks, this whisky boasts a robust 55.9% ABV. The unpeated style allows a different spectrum of flavors to emerge, including wispy smoke, gingerbread, sweet-cured meat, smoked fish, and a refreshing lemony note.
On the nose, you'll encounter an inviting toffee-forward aroma, enriched with allspice, brown sugar, anise, Cinnamon Grahams, and a hint of chili. The palate opens up with tangy toffee, chalk, and charred oak spice, culminating in a smoky finish. Despite its unpeated nature, this release surprises with its smoky undertones, enhanced by the strong character of the bourbon cask.
When comparing Scottish whiskies, peat is a significant factor. While most Islay malts are known for their heavy peat, Caol Ila's unpeated release offers a refreshing alternative. Peat, a sediment of organically undecomposed matter found in moors, has traditionally been used in whisky production to dry malted barley. Originally, the peaty-smoky taste was an accepted byproduct, but it has since become a hallmark of Islay whiskies, maintained due to popular demand.
This whisky is unique because it is unpeated, a rarity from Caol Ila, which is renowned for its heavily peated whiskies. Its unpeated nature allows different flavors to emerge, providing a distinctive experience.
The Caol Ila 1997 Unpeated Style was aged for 17 years in ex-bourbon casks, contributing to its complex flavor profile and robust 55.9% ABV.
The unpeated style allows for a broader range of flavors to shine through, including notes of wispy smoke, gingerbread, sweet-cured meat, smoked fish, and a refreshing lemony note, set against a backdrop of the strong bourbon cask influence.
The Caol Ila 1997 Unpeated Style is a remarkable whisky that defies expectations. Its unpeated character allows for an intriguing blend of flavors that is both complex and satisfying. The interplay between sweet, spicy, and smoky notes, all underpinned by the strong influence of ex-bourbon casks, makes this a standout release in the Diageo Special Releases series. A must-try for whisky enthusiasts looking for a unique Islay experience.
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