Another Belgian source of whisky: Asta Morris. The latest release is a nearly 13 years old Coal Ila distilled in August 1999 and matured in a refill sherry hogshead. Its cask number is quite close to the Caol Ila 1999 released for Feis Ile 2010.

Caol Ila 1999 (50%, G&M for Asta Morris 2012, refill sherry hogshead #305341, 350 btl.)

Nose: starts on apple juice with antiseptic. Oyster water and tarry ropes. Peat and tobacco. Shows some nice sweet & sour fruit candy notes (lemon / green apple), especially with a few drops of water. Even a hint of tropical fruits in the background. Mouth: good strength, overall sweet again, almost completely on peated apple juice. Oily texture. Then a salty twist, a faint hint of green olives, some tobacco leaves, and back to apple juice. A little coconut oil too. Quite an impressive sweetness. Finish: medium long, half sweet, half earthy with a herbal edge.

Interestingly, this Caol Ila keeps the middle between strong medicinal notes and an apple sweetness. Caol Ila can be clean and simple, but this is more complex and entertaining than expected. Just arrived in stores. Around € 65.

Score: 88/100