New K&L Exclusive – “Old Particular” Caol Ila 33 Year Old – Scotch Whisky News
What’s left in this post-Pappy world of whiskey that’s actually worth your hard earned money and not simply priced according to market scarcity, pop culture desire, and a point-driven collector hysteria? When it comes to purchasing casks of costly, three-figure bottles of booze for our K&L customers, we’ve very, very picky because there are few occasions where we feel that an entire barrel of expensive malt whisky is worth shelling out for. This is one of those occasions. The magic of Islay’s Caol Ila distillery has been shaped, forged, and concentrated for 33 long years inside this very special cask of Old Particular, bringing forth one of the most decadent whisky experiences we’ll have the pleasure of offering you this year. The nose carries with it the very essence of Islay: brine, bogs, wet earth, peat, salt, and the sea, all mingling slowly and methodically through the glass. The palate is instantly soft and supple, but at 51.9% it kicks into gear mid-way through and unleashes a wave of ocean spray, sweet barley, smoke, tar, soot, and freshly-cut peat that still shines through despite more than three decades in wood. While we might normally reserve this type of offering for the holidays, we had to grab this rare edition while we had the chance. Gone are the days of legendary casks like this, which is why prices for 30+ year old Caol Ila generally hover in the $400-$700 range. Don’t miss this one.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017
Every time I’m able to track down an old barrel of Islay single malt, I wonder to myself: “Is this the last one?” I remember in the case of Port Ellen, perhaps the most famous of Islay rarities, we were able to do one last cask at $500 a bottle. But when the prices jumped up over $1000, I said “forget it.” For some reason, perhaps because of the availability or the lack of general awareness concerning the distillery’s greatness, I’ve been able to dig out an ultra-mature barrel of Caol Ila about once every two years and negotiate a price that makes sense. This particular Caol Ila whisky, a 33 year old distilled in 1984, is one of the better expressions I’ve found in some time. It’s still fresh, lively, and brimming with Islay character. Supple on the palate and lifted on the finish, it’s everything an peated whisky lover could ever ask for. It’s luxurious, complex, and utterly beautiful from start to finish. Given the current market forces at play, it’s also quite reasonable in price. I wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. The older I get, the pickier I get about my purchases (ironically in a market where one can’t afford to be picky). This is as good of a single malt as we’ll sell this year. Trust me – there’s nothing on the Scotland schedule for the rest of 2017 as awesome as this 33 year Caol Ila.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 03, 2017
This bottling is lively and is not too old . The age has helped integrate all of the flavor components and to provide some concentration.With this Caol Ila, you get what you want from a single malt from Islay. In the nose there are notes of brine, sea and smoke that are complex and seductive but not too heavy. In the mouth it is bright and rich with malt flavors that are fruity and there is some smoke to complete the picture. With small touch of water, the aromas and flavors all soften up a little.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 02, 2017
Old smoke. It’s one of my greatest pleasures in Scotch. While this whiskey is surprisingly fresh for its 33 years, it has the undeniable hallmark of extra aged peated whiskey. The smoke is so mellow and textural. There is a touch of iodine on the nose, but it’s taken a back seat to the honeyed notes of dulce de leche and a deeply roasted cafe cortado. The salt spray of Islay is readily apparent. Roasted grain lingers on the finish intermixing with a fine layer of delicate ash. Fabulous. If you’re looking for a fine gift for yourself or a lover of decadent peated whiskey, this is a perfect bottling.
Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017
Wow – I’ve never been disappointed by an old Caol Ila and this one certainly continues that trend. There is (was) something truly magical about this distillery. The whisky seems to have a haunting elegance on the palate and yet so much intensity of flavor. Here the smoke is intertwined with sea foam, wood shavings and a very subtle iodine hint. The malt fills the palate with intense flavor and aroma and yet it’s almost ethereal in texture. If some of the big, heavily sherry-influenced whiskys of the world can be compared to rich, ripe, highly extracted Napa Cabs; then this Caol Ila should be likened to a finely structured Burgundy; it possesses no less intensity or power but expresses it in a very different way.
Jason Marwedel | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 30, 2017
I must admit – my liquor cabinet at home is probably smaller (and more boring) than any of my colleagues’ here at K&L. At home we enjoy the very occasional cocktail, and on a big night, I might indulge in a glass of Armagnac, Calvados or Single Malt. Upon tasting this tremendous 33 year old Caol Ila, I am completely rethinking my game plan. This bottle absolutely WOW-ed me! Subtle notes of citrus and saline, lead to a supple palate of barley, antique wood, peat smoke and cinder. You get plenty of intensity and spice on the palate, yet it comes across in such an elongated and elegant fashion. This is a really special bottle, one that needs to make its way into my liquor cabinet…soon.
