Whisky Review/Tasting: Caol Ila 11 years 2005 Gordon & MacPhail

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Islay region.
Type: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Distillation Date: February 21, 2005.
Bottling Date: July 20, 2016.
Age Statement: 11 years.
ABV: 57.3%.
Maturation: First fill sherry butts (500-liter casks previously used for sherry, not used for whisky before).
Cask Strength: Yes, part of the Cask Strength Collection.
Color and Clarity: Not colored, not chill-filtered.
Bottle Design: Detailed with distillation and bottling dates, cask numbers (301,521; 23; 24; 27), emphasizing its cask strength and natural characteristics.

Initial Aromas: Smoke, cherries, bananas, apples, vanilla, and a crumble-like scent.
Taste: Spicy, peppery, with a mix of phenolic and campfire smoke. Fruits are present but more subdued, with a hint of chili catch.
Aftertaste: Long-lasting with notes of banana and pepper, less tingling and spicy over time.
Water Addition: Changes the aroma, enhancing certain flavors while diminishing others, resulting in a lighter smokiness with increased sweetness and fruitiness.

Independent Bottler: Gordon & MacPhail, one of the older and significant independent bottlers, known for their Cask Strength Collection.
No Fancy Marketing: The focus is on the whisky's specifics rather than a marketing backstory.

Islay Whisky: Known for its smoky character, the Caol Ila 11 years reflects the traditional Islay profile with its phenolic and campfire smoke notes.
Sherry Influence: The use of first fill sherry butts for maturation adds a layer of complexity and sweetness, showcasing the interaction between the whisky and the sherry wood.

"You get a really good mixture, really good balanced whisky with a long aftertaste."
"57.3% ABV is usually not for beginners."
"That smells really intriguing. It's like a bit of a light smokiness with a lot of sweetness and fruitiness."

An 11-year-old Caol Ila whisky, distilled in 2005 and bottled in 2016 by Gordon & MacPhail.
Part of the Cask Strength Collection, emphasizing natural characteristics: cask strength, non-colored, non-chill filtered.
Matured in first fill sherry butts, offering a complex flavor profile with smoke, fruit, and spice.
Recommended to be enjoyed neat or with water to explore the changing flavor profile.
A fine example of Islay whisky with a significant sherry influence, suitable for enthusiasts appreciating detailed craftsmanship and natural whisky presentation.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and cask strength nature of this whisky make it an excellent choice for experienced drinkers looking for depth and intricacy.
For the Islay Aficionado: Lovers of Islay's smoky whiskies will appreciate the phenolic and campfire smoke notes, balanced with the sweetness from the sherry casks.
For the Adventurous Beginner: While high in ABV, beginners interested in exploring the rich flavors of Scotch whisky can start with a diluted version to appreciate its diverse profile.