Caol Ila 1982 (Archives)

Part of the latest batch of Archives bottles, this Caol Ila 1982 has a very fair price tag for a thirty years old whisky.

Caol Ila 30 yo 1982 (51,2%, Archives 2012, bourbon hogshead #758, 207 btl.)

Nose: beautifully elegant and mellow. Gentle medicinal notes, pretty rounded mineral notes and sweet peat. A nice coastal theme too. Lemon and hints of carbolic soap in the background. There’s a beautiful hint of ripe banana and butter too. Aniseed and mint. Almonds. Quite complex and well integrated.

Mouth: punchier, slightly sharper too, with peat, smoked fish, still some medicinal notes and citrus. A light saltiness. Fades on ashes and gentle herbs. Liquorice and ginger.

Finish: long, on a nice salt & pepper combo and lingering peat.

Another excellent Caol Ila. Rich, complex, punchy yet easily drinkable. Nice to see a pleasant fruity side besides the peat and brine. Around € 135.

Score: 90/100