Caol Ila 2011, Or Sileis

Clan Denny is one of Douglas Laing's sub-brands. Some kind of old kung-fu master on the label (isn't that Fred Laing?) Colour: pale white wine. Probably the opposite of the WB. Nose: a tad raw and spirity at first, that's probably the youth and the well-behaved cask, with a little kirschwasser perhaps, but all the ashes, kelp, oysters and just, well, ashes are well there. With water: raw wool, another staple. More ashes too. Mouth (neat): almost aggressive at first, powerful, bitter, with some sugar too, and something really reminiscent of their newmake. These infants usually wok best at around 46% vol. in my modest experience. So… With water: yes indeed, some pears and melons come out, it got a little gentler (if still a tad newmakey), with another regular flavour in young CI, bitter almonds. Finish: long, saltier. Tonic water and seawater. Comments: very good young, yet-unpolished Caol Ila. A little challenging, I would add.

SGP:466 - 84 points.