Dram Mor chose a French oak Oloroso hogshead for their Caol Ila – and that is not obvious. Scotch whisky is traditionally matured in American oak. French oak is denser, more spiced and contributes differently to the aroma profile than its American counterpart.
Expert's description
Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor is an Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky finished in a French oak Oloroso hogshead, bottled at 55.2%. 288 bottles.
Dram Mor is an independent bottler specialising in single-cask bottlings with a focus on unusual cask combinations. The name is Gaelic for 'big dram'. French oak's denser structure gives more spice – cinnamon, cloves and a spicy dryness – combined with Oloroso sherry's fruitiness.
The existing tasting panel describes the whisky as 'sublime' with salted caramel, cigar smoke and stone fruits on the nose, and a massive, long-lasting finish. 288 bottles were bottled.
Tasting notes
Nose
Salted caramel and cigar smoke from the French oak meet Caol Ila's peat smoke and stone fruit. A complex and fascinating combination.
Palate
Intense and layered. Salted caramel, Oloroso sweetness and a depth of smoke and spice from the French oak. For those who want everything at once.
Finish
Massive and persistent. Smoke, fruit sweetness and spices hold without weakening for a long time – the kind of finish that rewards patience.
Specifications
Name: Caol Ila 9 Years Dram Mor French Oak Oloroso Hogshead
Distillery: Caol Ila Distillery
Bottler: Dram Mor
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 9 years
ABV: 55.2%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Single cask – finished in French oak Oloroso hogshead
Number of bottles: 288
Flavour profile
Peated · Oloroso-sweet · Spiced · Intense · Long-finishing
Did you know?
French oak (Quercus Robur) is denser and contains more tannin and spice than American white oak (Quercus Alba). It is traditionally used for the finest Bordeaux wines and is rare in Scotch whisky production.
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