Caol Ila 22 Year Old 1990 Malts of Scotland

Malts of Scotland is in high gear. This is already their 10th Caol Ila and the third this year alone (remember the wonderful 19 Year Old and the great 33 Year Old earlier this year). This one is 22 years old and matured on a bourbon cask. It was bottled at 55,6% ABV.

The nose starts rather closed and mineraly. Slowly but surely the maritime elements emerge. A bit of tar, a bit of seaweeds, a bit of salt, a bit of wet rocks. Bits and pieces, in fact. But a load of sweetness in the form of vanilla, white fruit and whiff of toffee.

It is very soft on the palate. I had expected some powwow on the palate, but this is ultra soft indeed. No water for this one. Again rather sweet, with the maritime elements in support. I quite like it. Light spices, touch of oak. The emphasis here is definitely on the sweetness. This is for you sweet teeth. Or is that sweetcaols?

The finish is somewhat short to my taste, but does show a nice peaty side and finally lets the ABV do the talking.

If I were not a Toshan Man, I would probably be a Caol Ila Collector. I truly enjoy this profile and think it is fair to say that Caol Ila is my favourite Islay distillery. Around 115 EUR. Thanks, Jeroen, for the sample.

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