Caol Ila 2000/2011 10 Year Old A.D. Rattray

A.D. Rattray (previously Dewar Rattray, but they had to change their name to avoid confusion with that other Dewar) is an independent bottler that recently launched a whole new range in Belgium. One of those is this very pale single cask Caol Ila.

I'll let the cat out of the bag immediately: this is a wonderful peatbomb! The ashes are supported by quite a bit of oysters, sprinkled with lemon juice. I get a bit of seaweeds and even a spoonful of real butter that finish this great nose. The whole is very clean.

On the palate, this Coal Ila is very creamy. Again, the peat gets all attention initially. The citrus is trying to battle its way to the fore, but is overpowered by maritime, salty notes. Very coastal, as if a plate with smoked mackarel is right in front of you.

The finish is lingering, smoky and warm. Very salty, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable.

Quite the cask selection, AD!

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