caol ila 1978 23 years old rare malts

Caol Ila 1978 23 Years Old (Rare Malts Selection)

Caol Ila is probably my favourite Islay distillery. Although come to think of it, depending on my mood I could easily be swayed in the direction of Bowmore, Lagavulin or Bunnahabhain. Anyway, today Caol Ila has the top spot. I’ll be taking a closer look at the Caol Ila 1978 23 Years Old from the Rare Malts Selection.

Caol Ila 1978 23 Years Old (61,7%, OB ‘Rare Malts Selection’)

Nose: Incredibly crisp and fresh at first nosing. Lemons with brine and some light peatiness, which develops into more of a smouldering campfire with a touch of rubber. Changes again into a more grassy an waxy profile, with a touch of sugary sweetness.
Taste: Brine and peat, with tar, smoke and lots of vanilla sweetness. Very vegetal and spicy as well. Black pepper and nutmeg. Broccoli. Finally some citrus fruit and mango.
Finish: Long with plenty of brine and peat smoke.

Rating: 87

While very good, I find it doesn’t really shows its age, which is a pity when tasting something of considerable age.

Photo: whisky-onlineauctions.com

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