If you find the "medicinal" side of Islay a bit too much, the Caol Ila Distillers Edition is your sanctuary. This 2022 release takes that classic, elegant coastal spirit and gives it a second maturation in Moscatel casks—a sweet, fortified wine known for its incredible floral and honeyed aromatics. The result is a masterclass in subtlety. On the nose, you still get that wonderful Atlantic sea-spray and gentle peat smoke, but it’s now joined by notes of dried apricots, orange blossom, and a drizzle of honey. On the palate, the smoke is even more integrated; it tastes less like a "fire" and more like a toasted marshmallow enjoyed on a beach at dusk. It is a remarkably rich and oily dram. The sweetness of the Moscatel doesn't hide the peat; instead, it acts as a soft cushion for the salt and smoke to land on. It’s a sophisticated, "after-dinner" style of Islay whisky that proves smoke can be incredibly pretty when it wants to be. [#intro]A sophisticated Islay malt, where gentle bonfire smoke meets the honeyed, floral sweetness of Moscatel...[/intro]