Caol Ila
7.6

Caol Ila

1979, 25 Years Old, Special Release

ABV 58.4%

Not instantly welcoming, this takes time to get to know... but it is worth the effort. Subtle complexities at work.

Dave Broom

Specification

Caol Ila

Brand

1979, 25 Years Old, Special Release

Expression

Single Malt

Type

25

Age (Years)

2005

Year of Bottling

58.4%

ABV

Islay

Region/Country

Standard (Distillery or blended)

Bottling Type

Tasting Notes

Dave Broom

Taster

Nose: Light and grassy, then some Arbroath smokie. Lightly perfumed (sage, juniper?) with a vanilla lift, hot sand, ash-like smoke. Good balance and intensity. Needs water.

Palate: The sweetness continues. Light fruits, some creaminess. Quite firm without water.

Finish: Dry, long, lightly grassy. Ash.

Comment: Not instantly welcoming, this takes time to get to know... but it is worth the effort. Subtle complexities at work.

Score: 8

Arthur Motley

Taster

Nose: Lemon, tiger balm, eucalyptus, lime, citrus flavoured bathroom cleaner.

Palate: Some buttery character, but fairly woody and with a dirty smoke.

Finish: Ash.

Comment: Old, phenolic but just not pleasant enough for me. I think I just prefer Caol Ila young.

Score: 7.3

7.6
Overall Score

From The Distillery

Related whiskies

Wonders of Whisky

Subscribe to the Whisky Magazine Newsletter to see the latest in all things whisky