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Caol Ila 1983/2011

(53.9%, Berry Bros & Rudd, C#4800)
Average Score: 87
Bottle Profile
TypeScotch Single Malts (Disclosed Distilleries)
DistilleryCaol Ila
BottlerBerry Bros & Rudd
Brand NameCaol Ila
Year Distilled1983
Year Bottled2011
Alcohol By Volume53.9%
Cask Number#4800
Issued2011
Average Score87


Maniac Ratings
Johannes van den Heuvel80
Robert Karlsson90
Konstantin Grigoriadis90
Ho-cheng Yao85
Krishna Nukala87
Rich Howard87
David Wankel79
Oliver Klimek86
Ralf Mitchell92


Retired Maniac Ratings
Keith Wood89


Tasting Notes
Robert KarlssonLovely mixed tarry and sooty nose. Hints of berries. Dryish and a bit stingy at first (high ABV?). Salmiac, with time leather. Tastewise quite excellent, the mix of spicy peat and dark spices is very enjoyable. Warmly recommended.
Rich Howardstrong initial notes of slightly musty attic furniture, dusty cardboard, hints of ripe banana peel, black liquorice, fresh varnish, floral notes of yellow freesia, some wet heather, maybe some hints of sand and sea air in the background. the palate is quite strong, somewhat sweet and creamy, with notes of banana peel, varnish, sweet gingerbread, and an undercurrent of heavily toasted oak. water softens and sweetens up the nose a bit, with hints of double crust apple pie, gingerbread and plenty more freesia and other floral notes, minte leaves, savory notes of seaweed cakes, soy sauce, and some lime peel on the tail. the palate has some apple and lime now as well, sugared crystalized ginger, ginger ale, but also mint and those savory notes of seaweed and soy sauce. summary: starts off somewhat musty and floral, but opens and sweetens nicely with water to sugared ginger and lime juice with heavy savory and earthy undertones. no water if you prefer sweet, a drop of two if you prefer savory. [tasted blind for the 2011 Awards]
Oliver KlimekColour: Bright gold - Nose: Smoked ham, vanilla, apples, liquorice, hints of tropical fruit, nutmeg and pepper. - Palate: Peat, honey, vanilla fudge, raisins, tropical fruit compote, hints of ginger and nutmeg - Finish: Long, sweet and smoky. - Overall: A nice sweetness adds to the peat and fruit here making this a Caol Ila with an interesting twist.