This is actually quite good. There are a lot of young refill-cask Caol Ilas out there, but I feel like this one punches above its weight class. It’s loaded with classic Caol Ila notes, but with a rich sweetness throughout.

Nose: Smoky, but effervescent. Savoury like shio ramen: light, clean, and salty. Coal-fire smoke and fishing docks. Savoury black forest ham, black pepper, sea salt, and fresh fennel. Tart notes of lemon juice, pickled ginger, and white vinegar. Some brown bread, caraway seeds, and celery salt. Sweet notes fragrant honey, demerara sugar, and pears. A hint of gasoline.

Palate: Medium texture, a bit oily. It arrives softly and sweetly with demerara sugar and yellow plums. Deep but gentle peat in the middle, turning to rich spice: sweetened black tea, cloves, and gingerbread. Coffee cake and apple crumble with vanilla ice cream. An undercurrent of salty earth.

Finish: Medium-length. More rich peat and baking spices. Dark chocolate and coffee truffles. Lemon squares, gingerbread, heather honey, and toasted sesame oil. Lingering peaty glow.