Darkness Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 56.2% ABV

Darkness Caol Ila 12 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is an independent bottling of Islay single malt Scotch whisky from Caol Ila, released in the Darkness range from Atom Brands. Darkness takes selected single malts and gives them a short, intense final maturation of around three months in small hand-coopered octave casks seasoned with sherry; here the 12-year-old Caol Ila was finished in Oloroso octaves. It is bottled at 56.2% ABV in a 500ml limited-edition bottle with a presentation box, without added colouring or chill filtration. The result pairs Caol Ila's coastal peat smoke with a rich, fruity sherry layer, and only a few hundred bottles were filled from the octaves.

Tasting Notes: Savoury and sweet, with peat, dark fruit and spice.

Nose: Meringue, citrus, cured Serrano ham and savoury umami.

Palate: Chocolate, cinnamon, damp leaves, balsamic and boozy cherries.

Finish: Rich, bright and sweet with a wide aromatic spread.

Serve: Neat, or with a few drops of water to open up the aromas.