Caol Ila 19 yo (1991/2011), Coopers Choice, 46%

Review #655

This is from a refill Sherry butt with the cask number #923, and only 570 bottles were made. Meaty peat (yes, that combo) at first in the smell. Some vanilla starts to shine through. Some winy notes in the end, like red berries.

The peat is a bit more light and dry in the taste. Some oak comes forward alongside some red and dried fruits. A bit ashy in the finish where some vanilla mixes with the fruity sweetness. The classic Caol Ila vanilla peat is very noticeable in the end.

Nineteen years in a Sherry butt may sound like a Sherry bomb, but it really isn’t. It’s a classic refill, making it a sweet and very elegant old Islay malt. I could easily sip this all night long, and depending on the mood, I think it could go well with either vanilla ice cream or a cigar. I will give this 88/100 (21/22/23/22).