This 2024 Diageo Special Releases series features the Caol Ila "Ambrosial Feast" 11 years old, a unique unpeated, high-alcohol experimental style.
Basic Information: Scottish Islay single malt, labeled 11 years old, 57.3% ABV, cask strength.
Officially positioned as Unpeated Caol Ila, some reviews mention a slight minerality and smokiness from the Islay terroir.
Casing Combination: Refill casks, rejuvenated casks, and re-wine casks, a blend of American and European oak.
Flavor Characteristics: Aromas: Dominated by malt, walnut, peanut, sawdust, butter cookies, and pale vanilla, with subtle hints of hay and minerality; very slight cask marks. Palate: Hazelnut, roasted almond, caramelized walnut, toffee, latte, milk chocolate, and spices such as clove and nutmeg. Fruitiness is low, with only a slight lemony note in the finish. Full-bodied and high in alcohol, with a touch of bitterness and wine tannins.
Finish: Medium to long, finishing with coffee, roasted spices, wine tannins, and a slight sulfur note. Overall, it leans towards a nutty + coffee flavor rather than the traditional Caol Ila's sea-breezy smoky character.
Drinking and Positioning Recommendations: This Caol Ila is described as "high-proof, non-peaty, nutty coffee-oriented with a slight wine-finish," a significant departure from the usual sea-salt + smoky image. Reviews generally consider it quite "experimental," with moderate complexity but strong educational value.
It is highly recommended to dilute with water: the original alcohol content is very sharp, but diluting with water brings out the nutty and coffee layers and reduces bitterness.