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Caol Ila is one of the most outstanding distilleries of Scotland, used to produce excellent whiskies.
Chieftain's Choice (Ian McLeod) is one of the best collections from independent bottlers.
Claret is one of the best wines.
One could reasonably think the combination of these 3 elements would produce an excellent whisky.
I probably didn't taste it in the best conditions, because this bottle didn't evoke any of the marvelous memories I keep from other Caol Ila versions. It just deserves a 15/20. Probably a second tasting could change my mind...
2003

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The second tasting did not take my perplexity away neither...
The nose detect undoubtedly an Islay whisky, with its hints of peat, well mixed with some other sweeter fragrances.
In the palate, some remote violet hints quickly hidden by a taste somewhere between something very pleasant and something frankly sickly.
The rather long finish prolongs the impression left by the palate. A strange combination, between this Caol Ila and red wine...
2004

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A third tasting just confirmed the strange impression this whisky leaves.
The nose is rather indistinct, however dominated by some hints of smoky peat, but hidden by other smells, more difficult to identify.
In the mouth, first an acid impression followed by a monochord taste before a quite indefinable finish... Strange combination, this Islay with claret....
2005