Maltbarn has a new agreement for Belgium. Bottlings are now available through Dram242. Of course you can also contact Maltbarn directly or Whiskybase in Holland.
This Caol Ila 1979 is 33 years old and part of the recent batch by Maltbarn.
Caol Ila 33 yo 1979 (52,7%, Maltbarn 2013, ex-bourbon cask, 55 btl.)
Caol Ila 33 yo 1979 (52,7%, Maltbarn 2013, ex-bourbon cask, 55 btl.)Nose: starts in an assertive way, with lots of seaweed, hessian and camphor. Oysters and walnuts. Hints of mercurochrome. Quite bold. Some wet stones. Some embering hay. Linseed oil. It may seem really austere, but in fact it is very attractive in all its power.
Mouth: oily, salty, zesty and medicinal. Again a bold example of this style. Some antiseptic and iodine. Quite peaty for Coal Ila as well, hints of tar and soot. Liquorice. Hints of bitter grapefruit and aspirin in the background. Evolves on herbal liqueur. Alive and kicking.
Finish: long, clean, with liquorice and citrus zest.
We love gentle old Coal Ila but this is great as well. Coastal, punchy, pleasantly austere. Around € 220. Available since yesterday.
Score: 91/100