Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1976 Malts of Scotland 'Angel's Choice'

The Angel's Choice is a series of half bottles by Malts of Scotland. Only 125 were released with this Caol Ila uit 1976 – that’s right! This one is no less than 38 years old, distilled while I was still in kindergarten. It is the oldest Caol Ila I have tried to date.

Boy, forget everything you think you know about Caol Ila. There is hardly anything maritime (some fish oil, maybe) in this nose, let alone any peat (well, maybe just a tad). This is pure tropical fruit! Mango, apricots and even some kiwi. A touch of coconut, mostly the outer skin. A pinch of salt and some quinine give it depth, while the smoke develops quietly in the background. Delicious!

The arrival is silky soft. Some mild spices in the shape of nutmeg and some ginger. Mustard seeds? The fruit evolves towards citrus mostly. Think lime and pink grapefruit. Liquorice and a touch of oak kick in.

The typical character of Caol Ila does shine through on the very long finish. A salty death.

Amazingly good! This is an absolute delight. Ah, Caol Ila, you are my favorit Ileach indeed! Alas, this half bottle will set you back about 250 EUR. But what a feast!

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