Special Release Caol Ila 25 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 55 by Dave Broom and Arthur Motley.

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Tasting Notes

Dave Broom Nose Light and grassy, then some Arbroath smokie. Lightly perfumed (sage, juniper?) with a vanilla lift, hot sand, ash-like smoke. Good balance and intensity. Needs water. Palate The sweetness continues. Light fruits, some creaminess. Quite firm without water. Finish Dry, long, lightly grassy. Ash. Comment Not instantly welcoming, this takes time to get to know...but it is worth the effort. Subtle complexities at work.

Arthur Motley Nose Lemon, tiger balm, eucalyptus, lime, citrus flavoured bathroom cleaner. Palate Some buttery character, but fairly woody and with a dirty smoke. Finish Ash. Comment Old, phenolic but just not pleasant enough for me. I think I just prefer Caol Ila young.