Pintail Caol Ila Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 11y 2012

Description

Pineau des Charentes is a fortified wine that is mostly enjoyed as an apéritif drink. It is made from two-parts barely fermented grapes and one-part Cognac in the West of France. Pineau is aged in oak barrels to give the wine its soft edge and nutty-sweet, ripe fruit character. As creators and curators of sweet-wine cask finished Scotch whiskies, Pintail was keen to explore what the seasoned oak of an ex-Pineau barrique would do to a wonderful smoky Islay whisky. After 6 months in the barrel, this Caol Ila 2011 single malt is at peak performance, with just enough of the sweet, gingery and nutty character balanced beautifully with the ashy smoke of the classic Islay distillate. The nose is filled with aromas of smouldering beach bonfire, salty sea breezes, seaweed, citrus peel and Bourbon biscuits. On the palate, salt brine, cracked black pepper, cigar box, honeyed apricots, gingerbread, barbecued pineapple and dark toffee. It ends with a finish of ashy smoke, toasted nuts, brown sugar and stewed fruits.