Caol Ila 2007 8 YO (Beacon Spirits)

Caol Ila 2007 8 YO, 51,2 %

Just recently I published reviews of two other fresh releases from new Belgian independent bottler Beacon Spirits (see here and here). Now the time has come to review the third and last of this first batch of single malt releases from these guys. I hereby present to you the Caol Ila 2007 8 YO. Again we lack information about the type of cask this has been matured, so this is something I hope we will get with the next batch of releases. OK, guys? Please? Anyways, distilled in 2007, bottled in 2015 and confirmed to be 8 years old. The total outturn of this single cask release is given at 168 bottles.

You can still order the Caol Ila 2007 8 YO directly from Beacon Spirits at € 95.

Nose: Light, fresh and fruity (citrus). It has a really fresh first sniff. Then it 'calms down' a bit and the smokiness comes through. There's bacon and smoked sausages (not cooked, and not quite raw). A rather meaty nose - and I am not thinking Gérard Depardieu!

Taste: Rich, full and smooth. Lots of ashes and honey! Salt and vanilla. Oily.

Finish: Medium long finish. It is now more sugary in sweetness, but still with lots of ashes - now accompanied by wood smoke. A bit simpler in character towards the end..

Comments: Young but wonderful! This is the kind of dram where you automatically reach for a second when the first is finished.

Score (87/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas