Caol Ila 33 Year Old 1979 Malts of Scotland

Malts of Scotland has already bottled a few wonderful Caol Ila, but this is their oldest to date, no less than 33 years. It is a bourbon hogshead that yielded 280 bottles.

The nose might delude you into thinking it is much younger, because it is so alive. Slightly smoky and medicinal on iodine, in a fruity jacket of pineapple, banana and lime. A bit nutty as well. Think almonds. Looks a lot like the great Caol Ila from Thosop that I tasted early January. Soft, salty butter. After a few moments some white fruit emerges. Pears, mostly. The peat slowly withdraws to allow the sweetness to manifest itself. I really enjoy this.

It literally caresses the tongue, so soft and creamy is this Caol Ila. Spicy on a bucketload of salt and pepper. The peat rears its head beautifully without imposing itself. Nicely fruity again, turning even a tad zesty. Lemon peel? No, grapefruit. Slightly bitter, but so good. I cannot bring myself to add water to this.

The finish fades very slowly and balances wonderfully between sweet and smoky.

I know I am repeating myself when I say that Caol Ila is one of the most underrated Islay whiskies, but every dram I taste from this distillery confirms it. Superdram! Around 195 EUR.

Find where to buy Caol Ila whisky