Rare Malts Caol Ila 1977, 20 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 3 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

• Issue 3 online • Buy issue 3 (£5.95)
• Subscribe to Whisky Magazine (from £28.38)
• Preview current issue (74) • Preview other issues online

Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Powerfully aromatic. Roasted peppers. Olives. Salt. Palate Oily, soothing. Roasted peppers, olives, lemon juice. Finish Dry, junipery, vine-leaves, stemmy. Intense, expressive. Comment A wonderful aperitif. Who would have thought of a Scotch to precede Greek food?

Jim Murray Nose Fat, oily and lazilly smoky. Slightly kippery with salt and vanilla. Palate Sweet at first then a massive oaky intervention which dries the malt. Peat and dark chocolate. Finish Dark chocolate digestive biscuits with a peaty, toasty edge. Some saltiness comes through on the clinging, oily finish. Slightly tired oak spoils the balance. Comment A big malt, but carrying little of the magic that sets Port Ellen apart in this group. A stark reminder of what Islay has lost.