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The first-ever Caol Ila 35 year old in this series is also the oldest Caol Ila Special Release to date, combining whisky from refill American oak hogsheads and refill American and European oak butts in a well- balanced and mature expression that shows a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age. Just 3,276 bottles. Distilled in 1982.
Hidden away in a tiny bay near Port Askaig since 1846, Caol Ila is a connoisseur’s Islay distillery. A nearby water supply was one reason for the remote site, while until the early 1960s casks left this remote spot and supplies arrived by sea. Almost unknown before regular releases began in 2002, its single malts are just as capable of fine complexity as their more famous Islay siblings: balanced and distinctive in fresh aromas and taste, they show great character and depth at any age.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Antique gold, good beading.
Nose:
A clean and clear start, with floral and fruity notes on a fresh-cleaned and faintly smoky base. Artist’s studio, lemon zest, butter and malt vinegar. The smoke is carried on notes of pine, resin and menthol, with a cereal-grain core. Later, a floral freshness with almond soap and final, fresh mint.
Body:
Light to medium.
Palate:
Cooling and very fluid, with a smooth, creamy texture, soon becoming dry after a quiet, lightly sweet start. Sugary, then smoky against a developing herbal astringency with fennel and even a trace of picture varnish. Wonderful tooth-coating tannins offset a rising, peaty pungency.
Finish:
Spicy-sweet, with honey, sweet peat smoke and crunchy cereal, smooth chocolate, syrupy pistachio pastry. Cleansing, with silky dryness and lingering smoky warmth.