The final release of our Caol Ila from this vintage shows the evolution in maturation, not much in terms of wood influence but in the character which has progressively become gentler. Refill sherry casks once again have been used to give roundness and a hint of fruitiness to the dry, salty and maritime distillate, not to impart any winey notes. The result is still fresh, breezy, appetizing, intense but not heavy. Still a wonderfully clean peated malt with some kind of an “aperitif” character, trading some of the brash power and smokiness of a young Islayer with a more velvety, lemony and fragrant approach. A whisky to be enjoyed neat, or with water as a pairing with oysters, smoked salmon, shrimps and sushi.