Recently Tasted - Caol Ila 2001 Hermitage Wood Finish

New from Gordon & MacPhail's Private Collection series is this 2001 Caol Ila, aged for 13 years in total, with the final 18 months in Hermitage wine casks. A limited edition release, bottled at 45% vol. Hermitage is an appellation in the Rhône Valley and is often seen as the home of the Syrah grape. After finishing in the finest Hermitage casks for 18 months the Caol Ila character has developed sweet and intense red cherry, strawberry and red current notes, which are complemented by a lingering smoky edge.

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We we're lucky enough to sample some of this exciting new release early last week. Here's what we thought... Caol Ila 2001 Hermitage Wood Finish Abbey Whisky Tasting Notes Nose: Smoked strawberry, damson syrup, a slight meaty undertone, jammy! Slight saltiness, pepper, hint of truffle. Palate: Warm peat smoke, brine, quite salty. White pepper, malty, red fruit. Finish: Nice combination of fruit, salt and smokiness. Overall: A very easy drinker, rather pleasant. At the time of writing, our online whisky shop still had stock of this wine cask finished whisky from Gordon & MacPhail. Price at £51, you can purchase this here... Slàinte Abbey Whisky