First whiff is definitely chalky, like wet pebbles on the beach. After a few moments a delicate peat influence takes center stage, with in the background a subtle meaty note. Every time I pick up the glass there is a new characteristic to be found. A smoky sweetness reveals itself. The constant development is amazing.

Classic Caol Ila with an oily, mouth coating feel on the tongue. But also a raw side that I associate with the virgin oak. Like chewing on the sharp side of a chainsaw, the edges cutting deep. Forget Ziggy Stardust, this is Ziggy Sawdust. All in all it feels like failed integration. The oily liquid and the sawdust influence are in a fight, duality at its best. It makes for a complex and interesting drinking experience. Caol Ila succeeds in bottling an expression for the more experienced connoisseur. That is what a Feis Ile bottling should be about; to create discussion.

The finish is all on wood but not too overpowering. The pleasant thing is: there is nothing exotic in it. It is clean refill wood Caol Ila, with on top a layer of extra clean new wood Caol Ila. No dirty notes from sherry or other (fortified) wine.

Nose:
The nose is quite "OA-typical", a little closer to the 12 than the 18.
That means: maritime, slightly dry smoke, burning algae on the beach. Green apples, a squeeze of lime.
A quite strong vanilla and cinnamon impact, which at times reminds one more of apple crumble with sweet red apples and with vanilla sauce and cinnamon.
With a little standing time, clove is added subliminally, as well as a hint of aniseed.

Mouth:
For 55% I find a pleasant start. The oak is present quite early and quite spicy. Here again carnation, anise.
Citrus flavors, almond biscuits, crab chips and wakame (seaweed popularly used in seaweed salad) with sesame seeds.
And above all, the vanilla is very present. At times, the maritime character gets lost a little in the tension between sweetness and spice.

Finish:
Medium length, slightly ashy, clear vanilla, white and green gummy bears. Striking oak.

87/100

Conclusion:
A bottling that I personally don't like much. Unfortunately, for my taste, the combination of virgin American oak wood and this distillate does not go so well together. I find the carnation a bit out of place, the vanilla is too intrusive for me in places.

I would like to emphasize positively, however, that the finish seems to have been carried out with caution. The fresh oak didn't iron everything down, especially on the nose I find it very representative of the OA's in the first few minutes after pouring