CLASSIC MALTS SELECTION CAOL ILA 12-YEAR-OLD

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Stanley Griffith
7 years ago
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1 CAOL ILA 12-YEAR-OLD Caol Ila is the Gaelic name for the Sound of Islay, which separates the island from Jura, one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Scotland's West Coast. The distillery is situated on the shores of the Sound, a spot originally chosen in 1846 partly because of the pristine water from Loch Nam Ban, which still provides its main supply. Introduced in 2002, the Caol Ila 12-Year-Old is a highly prized expression that continues the traditions of the distillery. This elusive malt is revered around the world for its sweet, smooth, smoky character. Appearance: Pale straw Nose: Subdued, citric fruitiness with little or no trace of smoke. Fresh and appetizing. Taste: A sweet start with a light, fragrant smokiness and a smooth, pleasant mouth-feel. Finish: Sweet smokiness in the lingering, slightly tart finish. $50

Introduced in 2002, the Caol Ila 12-Year-Old is a highly prized expression that continues the traditions of the distillery.

2 TALISKER 10-YEAR-OLD Located off the northwest coast of Scotland, the rugged Islands are home to a single distillery Talisker. The soft, peaty water drawn from twenty-one underground springs on the Isle of Skye undergoes a double distillation process, giving Talisker its rich, deep characteristics. Released in 1989 as a Classic Malt, the Talisker 10-Year- Old was declared the best expression of the make s signature combination of sweetness and power by the distillers. The result is a wonderful award-winning Island malt bottled at above average strength with a comforting smooth afterglow. Appearance: Brilliant gold Nose: Peat-smoke with maritime saltiness, the liquor of fresh oysters, and citrus sweetness. Taste: A rich, dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavors, warming and intense. At the back of the mouth is an explosion of pepper. Finish: Huge, long, peppery finish with an appetizing sweetness. $50

Released in 1989 as a Classic Malt, the Talisker 10-Year- Old was declared the best expression of the make s signature combination of sweetness and power by the distillers.

3 OBAN 14-YEAR-OLD The Oban 14-Year-Old hails from the westernmost mainland town in the Scottish Highlands, giving it a smooth character infused with the bold, maritime flavors of the Islands. Fine single malt whisky has been made at Oban for more than 200 years, in one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland. Oban is made using only the finest barley, malted to the distillery's own particular specification. The Oban 14-Year- Old is still produced in the same unhurried, traditional fashion as when the distillery was founded. Appearance: Olive gold Nose: Rich sweetness and fruits - oranges, lemons and pears, with sea-salt and peaty smokiness. Taste: Mouth-filling late autumn fruits - dried figs and honeysweet spices; followed by a smoky malty dryness. Finish: Long, smooth-sweet finish with oak-wood, dryness and a grain of salt. $65

Oban is made using only the finest barley, malted to the distillery's own particular specification.

4 LAGAVULIN 16-YEAR-OLD Contact: Hunter Public Relations The small island of Islay is home to the Lagavulin distillery, giving this whisky its characteristic smoky and peat-infused taste. Though it shares a coastline with two neighboring distilleries, former owner Peter Mackie took pains to ensure that Lagavulin would have exclusive use of its pristine water supply. The Lagavulin 16-Year-Old is a much sought-after single malt. This bottling features the massive peat-smoke that's typical of southern Islay, yet offers a unique dryness. Appearance: Deep amber gold Nose: Intense peat smoke with salty notes and a rich, deep sweetness. Taste: Dry peat smoke fills the palate with a gentle but strong sweetness, followed by sea salt with a tinge of wood. Finish: A long, elegant peat-filled finish with an abundance of salt and sea air. $90

The Lagavulin 16-Year-Old is a much sought-after single malt. This bottling features the massive peat-smoke that's typical of southern Islay, yet offers a unique dryness.

5 GLENKINCHIE 12-YEAR-OLD Glenkinchie, the leading Lowlands malt, reflects the gentle landscape of its birthplace. The Scottish Lowlands is fondly referred to as the Breadbasket of Scotland. Acres of barley grow in this "Garden of Scotland," in fields fed by water softly flowing down from the hills. With only two distilleries in the Lowlands remaining, this fine single malt is revered in the region. The 12-Year-Old single malt, matured in American Oak refill casks, is Glenkinchie at its best. It has also long been the favorite Lowland malt of the blenders, and so always in great demand. Appearance: Bright gold Nose: Light, sweet nose with barley-malt, green grass and a wisp of autumn smoke. Becomes increasingly sweet and creamy, with a lightly aromatic edge and fresh citrus. Water makes it still more creamy and scented. Taste: Slightly sweet yet fresh, with flavors of late-summer fruits and harvest fields, young wood and malted barley. Finish: Surprisingly dry with sweet spice. $50

With only two distilleries in the Lowlands remaining, this fine single malt is revered in the region. The 12-Year-Old single malt, matured in American Oak refill casks, is Glenkinchie at its best.

6 DALWHINNIE 15-YEAR-OLD Crafted from pure mountain water flowing 2,000 feet above sea level, Dalwhinnie embodies the gentle spirit of the Scottish Highlands. All the pure spring water used in distilling Dalwhinnie flows over rich local peat through Allt an t'sluic, the distillery burn. No other distillery shares the water from this source therefore no other distillery is able to yield Dalwhinnie s uniquely clean, accessible, maltysweet taste. The Dalwhinnie 12-Year-Old is the perfect example of the Highlands spirit. Offering delicate floral aromas, wispy hints of heather and a soft, subtle finish, this edition is full of character. Appearance: Pale gold Nose: A big, crisp, dry and very aromatic nose with hints of heather and peat. Taste: Smooth, soft and lasting flavors of heather, honey sweetness and vanilla followed by deeper citrus-fruits and hints of malted bread. Light to medium body. Finish: Long, lingering, surprisingly intense finish that starts sweetly, then gives way to smoke, peat and malt. $65

No other distillery shares the water from this source therefore no other distillery is able to yield Dalwhinnie s uniquely clean, accessible, maltysweet taste.

7 CRAGGANMORE 12-YEAR-OLD Contact: Hunter Public Relations Nestled on the banks of the legendary, salmon rich River Spey, Cragganmore is, for many, the home of the definitive Speyside malt. The presence of Scotland's River Spey - the country s fastest flowing river - together with peat from the uplands was the reason original Cragganmore owner 'Big' John Smith felt that it would be the perfect place for the distillery. Only the lightest of vapors pass through the special stills at the distillery, producing the superbly clean, yet deep and complex malt. The 12-Year-Old is firm, yet light, making it one of the most coveted single malts in the region. Elegant and austere, the whisky gradually, almost reluctantly, reveals itself. Appearance: Gold Nose: A complex of sweet floral fragrances, riverside herbs and flowers with some honey and vanilla. Taste: A strong, full-bodied malty taste with hints of sweet, wood smoke and sandalwood gently unlock its aroma and taste secrets. Finish: A long malt-driven finish with light smoke and hints of sweetness. $50

perfect place for the distillery. Only the lightest of vapors pass through the special stills at the distillery, producing the superbly clean, yet deep and complex malt.

8 CLYNELISH 14-YEAR-OLD Contact: Hunter Public Relations One of the very few mainland distilleries built on the secluded shores of the North Sea, Clynelish is one of the best-kept secret of the Highlands. Globally revered for its fruity and spicy character, this relatively unknown malt has finally become available on American shores. The Clynelish 14-Year-Old is a well-rounded, classy single malt with astounding versatility. This creamy, mediumbodied edition s clean flavors make it an excellent aperitif. Appearance: Yellow gold Nose: A faint floral fragrance of dried flowers, then sweet notes of brown sugar. Taste: Pleasant mouthfeel with spiced fresh fruit, honey and malt. Sea salt notes accompany the sweet flavors. Finish: Medium with a slightly salty, sharp aftertaste. $49

The Clynelish 14-Year-Old is a well-rounded, classy single malt with astounding versatility. This creamy, mediumbodied edition s clean flavors make it an excellent aperitif.

9 CARDHU 12-YEAR-OLD Cardhu Distillery previously called Cardow has one of the most coveted distillery locations in all of Speyside, in Scotland. High on the hills on the north side of the Spey Valley with extensive views to the south, the Cardhu Distillery creates a single malt of the thickest and richest description as an independent tasting panel pronounced it in Cardhu was purchased by the owners of Johnnie Walker in 1891 and became a signature malt in the Johnnie Walker portfolio of blended Scotch whisky. Cardhu 12-Year-Old itself is characteristic of Speyside. It is highly approachable - smooth, sweet, mellow and uncomplicated and has good body and length. Appearance: Golden honey Nose: Notes of pear and sweet honey-nut. Harmonious and soft with toasted malt, spicy wood, and traces of wood-smoke. Taste: Well balanced with a smooth mouthfeel, sweet and fresh, then drying. Finish: Lingering sweet smoke and an attractive, drying aftertaste. $43 ###

panel pronounced it in 1887. Cardhu was purchased by the owners of Johnnie Walker in 1891 and became a signature malt in the Johnnie Walker portfolio of blended Scotch whisky.

10 THE SINGLETON OF GLENDULLAN 12-YEAR-OLD This new 12-year-old round, elegant and finely balanced single malt comes from the heart of Speyside in Dufftown. Today, the town lays claim to the title of malt whisky capital of the world and the Glendullan distillery continues to thrive on the original site where it was built in The Singleton of Glendullan has a rich, smooth character that is derived from the combination of Scotch matured in European Sherry Oak casks and American Bourbon Oak casks. Malted barley, grown locally, is carefully selected, and pure water is drawn from the high, wooded hills above the distillery glen. Appearance: Rich, golden amber. Nose: Toffee, roasted nut and spice aromas. Taste: Robust and sweet with notes of toasted grain, toffee, orange marmalade and brown spices. Finish: Creamy, smooth and slightly drying with a pleasant black currant aftertaste. $36 ### THE SINGLETON Single Malt Scotch Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol Imported by Diageo, Norwalk, CT.

The Singleton of Glendullan has a rich, smooth character that is derived from the combination of Scotch matured in European Sherry Oak casks and American Bourbon Oak casks.

Top tips for running the perfect Single Malt Whisky evening

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