Signatory Caol Ila 1981 Cask Strength

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 23 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose A bit spirity. Sea-washed dune grass. Hint of camphor. Phenolic whisper. Palate Burning, stout. Slowly releases fruity sweetness. Melon, strawberry, vanilla ice cream. Finish Dry again with an afterglow of kiln embers. Comment Quite sharp at the beginning then gradually softening. Fruitier than previous Signatory bottlings. Very sensitive to dilution.

Dave Broom Nose Good mix of fragrant orange/tangerine notes, malt and smoky bacon along with real end-of-the-pier stuff. A lightly medicinal note but plenty of soft fruit and a floral lift (parma violet?). Palate Scented smoke, heather blossom, soft pulpy fruits in the middle. Finish Sweet smoky malt, then dries. Comment Another Caol Ila? I like the softer, more succulent expression.