Caol Ila 8 Years Old 2009 Bass (58.6%, Lockett Bros, Bourbon HH #315337, 273 bottles, 2017)

• ABV: 58.6%
• Age: 8 Years Old
• Bottling: Morrison & Mackay, Lockett Bros
• Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £60
• Origin: Caol Ila distillery
• Vintage: 2009

What they say

Distilled at Caol Ila distillery 25/08/2009 and matured for 8 years in bourbon hogshead #315337 before bottling 02/10/2017 at cask strength 58.6% ABV producing 273 bottles. Sourced by Morrison & Mackay and bottled for Lockett Bros Island Series ‘The Island of Bass’

What I say

The second in our Caol Ila trio is a year older and distilled back in 2009 but other than that remarkably similar having spent its time maturing in a refill Bourbon hogshead.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Champagne gold (2/20), medium-large tears and medium legs.
• Nose: Much more vanilla and polished wood going on here, slightly lighter smoke influence, fresh lemon citrus, lemon curd, ham, cigarette smoke, a sweet salinity that reminds me of shellfish and scallop meat in particular.
• Taste: Lemon zest, honey, white pepper, dry peppery spiced oak, nutmeg, cask char, menthol and liqourice, I’m guessing 3rd or 4th fill cask perhaps? usual coastal smoke abounds.
• Finish: Long, liqourice, honey, burnt/black toast

Overall

Slightly less well rounded and full bodied than the younger sample we tried, evidence of a slightly under-active or over-aerated cask perhaps?

Score 83/100

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