Review #917 (2022)
Caisteal Chamuis means Castle Camus and is a heavily peated blended Island malt whisky. There are three stages to the maturation. The first being full 12 years maturation in refill American oak Hogsheads – the second maturation in American Oak that held Oloroso Sherry for 5 years – the last stage is maturation in Sherry Butts from their own solera system. Dark chocolate, dark berries, dried fruits and mellow peat behind it all in the smell.
More peat in the taste, but still mellow. It just mixes great with the flavours from the Sherry casks and the oak spices. The finish is quite sweet, coming from the dried fruits and vanilla, with just a touch of citrusy and sour notes.
Great influence from the Sherry casks, and actually quite complex, compared to what I expected. A great combination of peat level, age and Sherry cask finish! I will give this 87/100 (21/22/22/22).