Caol Ila 35 Year Old

Whisky Advocate 93 Points

A rare veteran bottling from Caol Ila, and the oldest of the 2018 Special Releases, this was aged in refill American oak hogsheads and refill European oak butts. The nose is fragrant and inviting, with dried fruit, ginger, and beach bonfire. Vibrant tropical fruit on the palate, with cinnamon and developing brine-sodden peat. Bold fruit flavors along with white pepper and soft peat remain in the lengthy finish. (3,276 bottles) Collectible

Appearance: Antique gold, good beading.

Nose: A slow, clean and clear start, with floral and fruity notes on a fresh-cleaned and faintly smoky base. Artist’s studio, lemon zest, butter and malt vinegar in one direct hit! The clean scent of a pair of brand new box-fresh trainers. The smoke is embedded in pine, resin and menthol notes wrapped round a cereal grain core. Later, a floral freshness with almond soap and final, fresh mint.

Body: Light to medium.
Palate: Cooling and very fluid, with a smooth, creamy texture, soon becoming dry after a quiet, lightly sweet start. Sugary, then smoky against a developing herbal astringency, with fennel and a trace of picture varnish. Wonderful
tooth-coating tannins offset a rising, peaty pungency.

Finish: Spicy-sweet, with honey, sweet peat smoke and crunchy cereal, smooth chocolate, syrupy pistachio pastry. Cleansing, with silky dryness and lingering smoky warmth.