Kintra Caol Ila 1984, 25 yo Single Cask #5395

This is the first Kintra bottling tasting note, with more to follow. This one was distilled in 1984, Aged in an Ex-Bourbon Hogshead , Cask # 5395 for 25 years and bottled in 2010. Only 60 bottles were available). I’ve recently tasted a 30 year old CI bottled by MOM and it will be interesting to compare both.

Caol Ila 1984, 25 yo , Cask # 5395 , 60 btl, €100

Nose: A lot of smoke, but not as much BBQed meat as i was expecting. Blood oranges, quite a bit of fruity quality to it as well (yet i can’t really say exactly what), mostly citrus, but not only, although it’s not big on the lemony notes. Palate: Toasted wood, then off to the peat and smoke avalanche.As the song says “smoke gets in your eyes”, and a lot of it. Some smoked ham,with a little sweet sauce on it. some medicinal notes later on. Quite complex. Finish : Long smoky, peaty , earthy flavours.

Bottom line:

A lot of smoke, medical notes, the obligatory peat, and citrus fruits, complemented by the fruit and sugars. A classic older CI. refined, but kicking and smokin’ Ace.