Caol Ila Aged 35 Years 2018 Release Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml          ABV: 58.1%          Age: 35 Years Old      Country: Scotland

The name Caol Ila comes from the Gaelic ‘Caol Ila’ meaning ‘Sound of Islay’ which is the stretch of water which separates Islay from Jura. The distillery was founded in 1846 and has been very successful through its long history. The distillery draws water from the nearby loch which is surrounded by myrtle and heather. As did most distilleries it closed during the Great Depression from 1930 to 1937 and was reconstructed from 1972 to 1974. Juggling between old traditional methods and modern methods of using new technology. This distillery produces whiskies that have chocolate, citrus and floral notes as well as tangy and peaty, which is typical of an Islay whisky.

This Caol Ila has matured for 35 years in a mixture of refill American oak hogsheads and both refill American and European oak butts. It is part of the 2018 edition of Diageo Special Releases. Distilled in 1982 it has been bottled at 58.1% and only 3726 bottles were available for worldwide distribution.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: At first it’s quite dusty, creamy but with some maltiness. As it opens there’s a wonderful oily smoke, salty sea breeze and citrus notes start to appear. vanilla and toffee with stoned fruits. The churning of fresh salted butter, menthol and wood shavings.

Palate: Plenty of citrus and again salted butter, milk chocolate powerful smoke and stone fruits. Everything just works and compliments , very balanced.

Finish: The finish lingers and lingers, plenty of smoke and extremely silky.