Caol Ila Berry Bros. 1983 28YO

I bought this bottle at The Whisky Lounge's Manchester Whisky Festival last September. At £100 it is the most I've ever paid for a single bottle. Hence I have made it last and ensure I savour every drop. And what a whisky it truly is...

First impression on the nose is lemon, followed by a pleasant earthiness and a touch of lime. Very very powerful and intense. Tangy fruits continue with even a slight hint of red summer berries and vanilla. It's sweet yet sharp at the same time. Underlying it all is a calm peaty smokiness - but not as obvious as younger expressions.

I get a strong taste of grapefruit on the palate, again mingled with a very pleasant peatiness. Vanilla arriving late on with a smooth smoky finish that lingers.

With a bit of water...

Citrus flavours are still there in abundance but with a creamier nose and slightly more obvious vanilla now. Imagine a fruit salad laced with créme brulé - a kind of caramelised flavour with added smoke.

Citrus fruit, cream, vanilla, peat smoke, hint of lavender even - they're all there on the palate now. Drier finish than without water but still intensely smoky. Wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

Thankfully I still have half a bottle to go - well worth it even at the high price.

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