Caol Ila 11 Years Ambrosial Feast - Diageo Special Releases 2024
There are moments in the life of a whisky lover that give you pause. Moments when the glass in your hand doesn't just contain a drink, but tells a story that is so different from anything you expected. The Caol Ila 11 Years Ambrosial Feast from the Diageo Special Releases 2024 is just such a moment.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first sip in the glass is like a walk through an exotic orchard, while a bakery opens its doors in the background. Bright fruity lychee dances with mango, while malty sweetness wraps itself around the senses like a warm cloak. It's as if Islay suddenly wants to play Caribbean. But then - and this is where it gets really interesting - something completely unexpected sneaks up on you: vanilla is paired with sugar beet and yeast, which develops an almost umami-like flavour. White peaches whisper sweet secrets, while hazelnut provides an earthy base that reminds you where you are - on a Scottish island that is normally known for completely different flavours.
Palate
The nutty and spicy notes embrace the tongue like old friends, while white pepper provides a surprising spiciness that harmonises perfectly with the 57.30%. Vanilla ice cream - yes, actual vanilla ice cream - melts on the tongue and mingles with yeasty notes so intense that you wonder whether you're tasting a whisky or a craft beer. The hop-like character is so unusual for an Islay whisky that it is almost cheeky. It's as if Caol Ila is saying: "You think you know me? Then look what else I've got!" A mineral note rounds off the flavour and reminds us that this whisky has not forgotten its Islay roots despite all the rebellion.
Finish
Fruity notes interweave with light oak, while the medium length is perfectly measured - not too short to disappoint, not too long to tire. A hint of liquorice and slight dryness with spicy accents ensure a finish that lingers for a long time.
Thoughts
Marcel 85/100
Who would have thought an Islay whisky could be so cheeky and playful? The Caol Ila 11 Years Ambrosial Feast is a true mood-lifter with its exotic, fruity charm and surprising umami notes – an experience you simply have to enjoy.
Sascha 83/100
This 11-years Caol Ila impresses with its unusual aromatic profile and the harmonious balance between a powerful 57.3% ABV and delicate yeast notes. Despite deviating from typical Islay profiles, it displays a confident structure that marks it as an exciting representative of the Special Releases 2024.
Value for Money: Fair
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83/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Caol Ila 11 Years Ambrosial Feast differ from classic Islay whiskies?
Unlike typical Islay whiskies, which are often heavily smoky and peaty, the Caol Ila 11 Years Ambrosial Feast presents exotic fruit notes like lychee and mango alongside unusual yeast aromas. It combines the island’s characteristic mineral base with surprising sweet and hop-like nuances.
Why does this whisky have such an intense flavor variety at 57.3% ABV?
The high alcohol content of 57.3% amplifies the aromas and delivers a lively spiciness ranging from white pepper to vanilla ice cream and yeasty notes. At the same time, it allows for a complex balance between fruitiness, spice, and mineral influences without the alcohol overpowering the subtleties.
What role does maturation of only 11 years play in the character of this whisky?
Although the Caol Ila 11 Years is relatively young, it has achieved remarkable maturity thanks to the special cask selection and Islay’s climate. The medium-length aging permits intense fruit and yeast aromas while retaining enough fresh, vibrant notes that make the whisky particularly dynamic.