Caol Ila 25yo 1979/2005 (58.4%, OB) Bottle #4332

A limited edition bottled 5 years ago at cask strength (but no hint of the total number of bottles) and not to be confused with the current Caol Ila 25yo which is bottled at 43%. The undiluted nose is varnish and peat smoke, smoked banana, sour cherries, orange honey and hints of cinnamon. It’s very rich. With water it immediately becomes sweeter; toffeed and mildly over ripe fruit. It’s significantly more vibrant without water. The undiluted taste is good, sublime, peat smoke, sweetness (toffee) and then for good measure some more of the same. Exceptional taste undiluted but strong, be prepared! There are hints of malt and something vaguely maritime. Caol smoke and light tar. Very nice. The undiluted taste is not the same whisky at all however it is still enjoyable. Mellower and gentler. Sweeter but no off notes pop up. Ground black pepper. The finish is long, very strong, head filling, lashing of cocoa laced peat smoke, lime and then coal smoke drenched malt. Warming and extremely enjoyable.

An excellent Caol Ila and a bonus at cask strength.

£150.00  at the Whisky Exchange http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/P-1627.aspx

Score 87 points

The first in series of Scotch whisky reviews this week that feature samples from 24 years of age to 41 years of age.