North Star Spirits Obscurities Caol Ila 8 Years

Overview
North Star Spirits' Obscurities & Curiosities range highlights limited independent bottlings of exceptional cask selections, and this 8-year-old Caol Ila delivers a refined balance of Islay peat and sherry influence from maturation in a sherry octave cask.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Sourced from Caol Ila distillery on Islay, this release from independent bottler North Star Spirits showcases the impact of sherry octave cask maturation, which concentrates flavors in smaller barrels. With natural color and non-chill filtration, it preserves the spirit's full character. Only 80 bottles were produced, emphasizing its rarity.

Tasting notes

• Nose: BBQ meats and tangy sauce mingle with sherry walnuts, salty brine, subtle peat embers, and leather.
• Palate: Rich sherry leads with mouthcoating spice, dried fruits, ginger, nutmeg, and paprika; molasses, charred marshmallow, toasted oak, and fizzy cola cubes add depth alongside subtle smoke.
• Finish: Polished leather and lingering sherry-dried fruit notes provide a medium-length, integrated close.

Notable details

• Production: Matured in a sherry octave cask, natural color, non-chill filtered.
• Lineage: From Caol Ila distillery; part of North Star Spirits' Obscurities & Curiosities series.
• Availability: Extremely limited release of 80 bottles.

"Lots of sherry influence with dried fruits and spices integrating well with subtle ashy peat... one of the author's favorite expressions." – The Whiskey Wash

A standout independent bottling that elevates young Caol Ila through precise sherry cask synergy.

Sources

[1] Thewhiskeywash – "North Star Spirits Obscurities & Curiosities Caol Ila 2014 8 Year Old Review"