Old & Rare Caol Ila 30 Year

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Another dusty discovery, 30 year old single cask Caol Ila distilled in 1983 and bottled in 2014. Matured in a Refill Hogshead and bottled at 53.2%.

Andrew's Tasting Note

Nose: Russian caramel and tarry peat meat the nose at first, followed by butterscotch pudding and tres leches; it is a tad smoky with seared scallops and white chocolate truffles; waxy with fried kale.

Palate: thick, sweet and oily; more Russian caramel and tarry peat oils fade into soft citrus fruits, a touch of perfume and firm smoke; like the nose the palate is decadent with more tres leches and white chocolate but also soft citrus, melons and mango; salty throughout, there are also some dark spices.

Finish: long, coating and drying whilst also sweet, fruity and smoky; elegant. 

Comment: this is a refined older Caol Ila; Caol Ila is a whisky best enjoyed old or young, but not in between; the younger whiskies are firm, bold and smoky, the older ones elegant, delicate and refined; this one is a fine example of the latter!

Producer's Tasting Note

Nose: A rich vanilla nose appearing at the start, followed by stewed rhubarb and custard before peat and seaweed come gently through at the end.

Palate: Initially there is sweet vanilla, but peaty seaweed character dominates quickly leaving a long, lingering and dry finish of oak and peat smoke.

750 ml