Caol Ila

Continuing my journey around the Isle of Islay, I stumbled on a bottle of Caol Ila. This lighter, sweeter sister of the other Islay single malts is a decent swig, but the taste is a bit different than the other island offerings.

Possessing a brighter tingle on the tongue than its peat-weighted neighbors, the 'smoky-peaty' flavor of Caol Ila merely acts as the hardwood for the sweet notes to dance upon. Caol is definitely a giddy drink, as opposed to the brooding Lagavulin.

I prefer the seriousness of the Islay malts, but this was a good taste. Honey copulated with heather and caramel in an orgy of rich, sweet exuberance. It would be a nice introduction to the beginner tourist to Islay.