Autumn in NY is Here and It's Time for WhiskyFest! Use Code FallForWhisky for Extra Ticket Savings.

89

Score

Caol Ila Unpeated 1997 17 year old (Diageo Special Release 2015), 55.9%

Price: 140 Issue: Winter 2015 Reviewer: Dave Broom Category: Single Malt Scotch

Aged in first-fill American oak, this shows a real brightness, crisp fruit, and some smoke—it's not really unpeated—and wet grass, before moving into pear and tarragon. The palate is intense, with a hay note, then an almost fino sherry-like note before sashimi emerges. Reduced, there's more of a soft flow, though there's still a touch of green olive minerality. A steal at this price. Snap it up.