2010 Berry Bros. & Rudd Caol Ila, Small Batch, Cask Ref. 311760/1/2, Islay, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (46%)

‘“Massive and hideous” was how Caol Ila was first described to me – although, to be very clear, it was the distillery buildings that were being described to me, not the whisky, and much-less the hard working Ileachs employed there! To make so much spirit flow so exceptionally reliably and STILL maintain such an impeccable character takes great skill. Ask me which Islay dram I’ll have to drink, and it’ll more often than not be a Caol Ila, please.’

Rob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd

The nose is initially deceptively gentle, offering icing sugar and a slight earthy smoke, though time in the glass crescendos the coastal peat showing muscular phenolic character. The palate gives more notes of peat smoke along with damp wool, icing sugar, slight floral notes, and more peat smoke! The finish is unmistakably coastal fading slowly with flavours of kippers, tar and yet more smoke.

Find out more on bbrspirits.com.

Cellar Plan members enjoy a 10% saving on this spirit. Reduction will be applied at checkout.