Caol Ila 21 Year Old 1984 A.D. Rattray

While I visited a festival, I saw this old Caol Ila sitting on the table: distilled in 1984 and bottled in 2006 (which is qutie a while ago as well, no?). At cask strength too. My interest was piqued. It was bottled way back exclusively for The Nectar, Belgian importer. Mario and his team are known for their excellent choices, so I will be very surprised if this one proves to be less than absolutely stunning. Ha! While the peat is present, it is clearly tempered by the wood, making this nose mostly fruity, almost tropical. All kinds of citrus fruit, zestiness included, with a nice hint of overripe bananas. Closer to home, some baked apples kick in, sprinkled with some cinnamon. The smokiness reminds me of a camp fire that was doused the night before. Wonderful. On the palate, the peat is very outspoken and becomes quite big, while the sweet fruit – now mostly supported by a truckload of vanilla – slowly but surely surfaces. Again baked apples with cinnamon, but also liquorice, nutmeg and white pepper. Some almonds, juicy honey and a fresh touch of menthol. This is simply delicious. Nicely layered and complex. The finish is very long, with both peat and spices coming out victorious. This Caol Ila is absolutely stunning. Boy, oh, boy, I should have bought me a bottle way back then. Nowhere to be found, now.

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