Caol Ila 1984 (Whisky Agency)

The Whisky Agency already bottled a Caol Ila 1984 in their premium Private Stock series. Now there’s one in the recent Sea Life series. Same alcohol volume (coincidental I suppose).

Caol Ila 28 yo 1984 (53,5%, The Whisky Agency ‘Sea Life’ 2012, bourbon hogshead, 254 btl.)

Nose: curiously sweet and bubblegummy for a while. The classic (medium) peat and lemon are there, with some lovely coastal character of iodine and sea water, but it’s backed by generous amounts of vanilla, tinned pineapple and strawberry candy. Slightly unusual for Caol Ila but very attractive. A little mint and grasses. Leathery notes and smoke. 

Mouth: briny and lemony. More classic and a tad sharper I’d say, although there’s still some sweet almonds and vanilla custard. A good dose of peat and charcoal, with a faint medicinal hint before it fades on fruitier marmalade. Secondary hints of walnut skin and kippers.

Finish: long, balancing between medicinal notes and fruity sweetness.

A great Caol Ila, with the typical coastalness coupled to a bigger fruitiness than usual. I always like that combination. Recommended. Around € 150.

Score: 91/100