Tag: peat

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Softened by time

It’s sunday, it’s freezing outside and the sun is on it’s way down to the horizon; how many reasons does one need to raise a dram? So with that in mind I decided to put two magnificent Islay Single Malts next to eachother and have a little N&T for myself 🙂

Caol Ila 12 and 18 y.o.

Now I must admit that I don’t have the keen sense of smell and taste as the people who write down the tasting notes, by far! However I do notice a difference in both smell and taste between these 2 fine whiskies.
The Caol Ila 12 y.o. is sharper on the nose, and has that typical heavy Islay peatiness (in other words “I love it!”), where the 18yo has a little less peat and smoke, more sweetness and a much longer lingering finish.

Because of my poor senses, here are Michael Jackson’s (not the singer!) tasting notes for your convenience.

Caol Ila 12yo

Nose: Juniper. Garden mint. Burnt grass, but soft.
Palate: Lightly oily. Soothing at first. Lots of flavour development.
Finish: Spicy (nutmeg, pepper). Warming. Very long.

Caol Ila 18yo

Nose: fragrant. Menthol. Markedly vegetal. Vanilla pod. Creamy.
Palate: Firmer. Much bigger. Much more expressive. Sweeter. Leafy sweetness. Spring greens. Crushed almonds. Rooty, cedary.
Finish: Some peaty bitterness. Big. Long, warming.

Time to find another reason to raise a dram! 🙂

Cheers!

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Laphroaig Triple Wood

I’m eagerly awaiting the new addition to my whisk(e)y collection. I’ve ordered the Laphroaig Triple Wood a few days ago from the Laphroaig Friends Shop. Hope it arrives soon!!


Here are the tasting notes…

Colour: Bright gold

Nose: At 48%, straight from the bottle, the initial flavour is quite sweet with a gentle mixture of sweet raisins and creamy apricots with just a trace of the dry peat smoke at the back, the smoother nutty flavours combine all these flavours into one smooth, syrupy whole. With a touch of water the peat smoke comes to the fore and masks the gentler fruitier notes. Even with the maturation being carried out in 1st fill bourbons, quarter casks and sherry butts, the intense bonfire ash smell of the earthy peat cannot be masked.

Body: Powerful yet with a creamy consistency.

Palate: With no water, a large initial burst of peat belies the slight lack on the nose but is gentled on the tongue by the creamier flavours of vanilla and fruit with just a suggestion of sherry sweetness. With a trace of water the peat reek is gentled, allowing the more complex flavours of citrus fruits and spices to come through. A slight tang comes from the European Oak balancing the creamier American White Oak.

Finish: Mouth filling and extremely long but balanced by the sweet smooth caramel taste.