Mackillop's Choice Caol Ila 1989, Cask 3322

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 22 by Michael Jackson and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Lightly dry. Vegetal. Slight sulphur. Palate Lightly oily. Cereal grain. Leafy. Then late, very distinctive, fruitiness. Finish Big and peppery. Comment If Caol Ila can evoke the aroma and flavour of junipers, perhaps it can also suggest olive oil, vine leaves, couscous, baked aubergines. I have had great martinis in Tangier. Next time, a Caol Ila Sour?

Dave Broom Nose Vanilla and soft fruit, then charred notes: smoky wood, singed heather, and a sulphury/burnt match heads note. Palate Powerful, medicinal and very smoky. It fills the mouth well, the light creaminess just about binding the prickly heathery/seaweedy smoke together. Finish Big and long. Comment The smokiest of the bunch. A big boy.