Caol Ila 1978 (G&M for Meregalli)

A Caol Ila 1978 bottled in 1991 by Gordon & MacPhail for their importer Giuseppe Meregalli in Milan after some 13 years. There seems to be a second version bottled in 1992 as well.

Caol Ila 1978 (40%, Gordon & MacPhail for Meregalli 1991)

Nose: classic old coal smoke alongside waxed papers, some grassy notes and peppery touches. Apple peelings. Hints of seaweed. Walnuts. Something of sweet almonds and rosemary in the background. Beautiful.

Mouth: smoky and salty, with lots of grainy notes and perhaps a slight spirity edge. Some green apples, liquorice and eventually also warmer notes, a little coffee and toasted nuts. Walnut skins. Rather full for 40%, but just mildly complex (we became used to older versions I guess).

Finish: medium long, with coastal touches, peppery oak and liquorice.

Great style with some classic Caol Ila notes. Slightly less impressive on the palate than it was on the nose, but very good overall. Apparently hardly documented, this version. Thank you, Pieter!

Score: 88/100