Bottled at 59.6% cask strength, this unpeated, smoke-free, 2013 rare edition of the Stitchel Reserve is one of the most anticipated releases of the year for Caol Ila fans. Known for it's rounder, fruit-forward style, Caol Ila is always a wonderful balance of supple texture with potent peat. Aged in refill Bourbon and Diageo's own special recoopered Sherry butts, this is a lighter, grainier style of whisky that packs quite a punch. Water is an absolute must. At full proof, the alcohol overpowers the delicacy underneath. A few drops help to reveal the sweet barley notes and saltier elements locked away under the usual dosage of smoke. For whisky geeks, it doesn't get any more fun that tasting an unpeated version of a classically smoky whisky.