We shifted fully into peat mode with Caol Ila… part of the new La Maison du Whisky Artist # 8 series.

Just as you would imagine from the swirl of smoke from Jérémie Lenoir’s photographs, this was no shy retiring whisky…

Caol Ila 15 year (2003/2018) Hogshead Cask #302465 54.2% (282 bottles)

• Nose – Sweet peat, light hickory, bay leaves and sweet basil
• Palate – Surprisingly soft and smooth yet no mistaking it was powerful too
• Finish – An absolutely terrific finish – incredibly long and strong

The smoke remained… so pungent that I needed to change glasses before continuing with the rest of the series!

As for what it would set you back? SGD 388.

And what do the folks at La Maison du Whisky have to say? No detailed tasting notes…. just a few thoughts.

Particularly suggestive, this absolutely beautiful version transports us in the proper sense of the word. Continuously traversed by swirls of smoke and a sea wind of exquisite sweetness, the aromatic palette is a succession of hectic sequences and moments imbued with tranquility and serenity.

—-From LMdW website with an imperfect google translation from French.

La Maison du Whisky Artist #8 sans Sherry

• Benrinnes 20 year (1995/2018) Hogshead Cask #9063 49.4% (279 bottles)
• Glenturret 30 year (1987/2018) Hogshead Cask #371 55.3% (214 bottles)
• Bruichladdich 25 year (1993/2018) Hogshead Cask #1640 46.9%
• Ardmore 10 year (2008/2018) Cask #800168 60.3% (233 bottles)

Clearly we’ve had other flirtations with Caol Ila:

• Islay 8 year (2008/2017) 58.3% (North Star Series 002)
• 12 year 43%
• 12 year (1997/2009) 43% (G&MP)
• 16 year (1969) 40%
• 31 years (1979/2011) 46% Bottle 150 (Mackillop’s Choice)
• 36 year (1980/2016) 52.3% (Cadenheads)

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