Caol Ila 30yo

Another supremely elegant old Caol Ila, the result of long, slow aging in a second fill cask to retain the subtleties of the distillate without special effects: when the spirit is of such high quality, it’s best to let nature take its course without too much wood influence. The immediate impression is of an enchanting silkiness, with everything falling into place and no dissonant notes: big freshness, caressing malt fragrance (though on a drier side than expected), a hint of tropical fruit. Really polite and smooth, even at cask strength. But even after 30 years, Caol Ila never forgets its Islay heritage: simply, the intensely medicinal finish grows slowly on the palate instead of attacking it with a nuclear blast. The finale is immensely long, smoky and full of iodine and brine.