Connoisseurs Choice rarely disappoints. Independent bottlers Gordon & MacPhail are experts at picking up rare casks, and this 20-year-old single malt certainly no exception. From the Caol Ila Distillery, this cask strength whisky was filled into a first fill sherry butt back in the year 2000. It was bottled in 2021 and has yielded 612 bottles. Free from chill filtration, this has a natural cask-imparted colour and arrives at a warming 59.6% abv.
Rich vanilla aromas give way to sultanas and cured meats on the nose. The palate is one of black pepper, intertwining with red apple and dark chocolate. A long and smoky finish with lingering citrus awaits in this wonderfully sherried dram. An Islay that is just waiting to be enjoyed.