Caol Ila 14 Year Old 1993 Silver Seal

This Caol Ila from Silver Seal came from a cask that yielded no less than 757 bottles. Surely, that must have been a sherry butt? The color does suggest this. I got this sample from the Festival of Independent Bottlers in Belgium last May.

Oh, special nose. Blind, I would call this not Caol Ila, but rather Bunnahabhain. Sure, the ashes and elements of the sea are there, but it also has something that reminds me of sauerkraut and diesel fumes. And, do not laugh, sweaty feet. I know, I know, sounds awful, yet this one is not a stinky winky. On to some mashed patatoes and something along the lines of cheese fondue.

The attack is rather light and sweet. Nothing like the nose.. Well, apart from the ashes and the sea, I mean. Much more sweet fruitiness. Gone are the sauerkraut and cheese, replaced by white peach and gooseberries. Midpalate, grapefruit kicks in turning it a little bitter.

The finish is long and smoky, with some salt at the death.

A special Caol Ila from the stables of Max Righi. Around 115 EUR.

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