Single malt whisky - tasting notes

21 Dec 2008

Caol Ila 1975 20y (Rare Malts)

Posted by: Ruben In: Caol Ila

caolila_5_8There are magnificent jewels in the Rare Malts collection from Diageo. Twelve years ago, this was the first Caol Ila release in the series. Information and tasting notes about this bottling are now very scarce.

 

Caol Ila 1975 20y (61,18%, RM 1996)

Nose: seaweed, peat, grassy notes, faintly medicinal. A touch of sweet apples. Not a lot of smoke here. With water: wax. Not exactly surprising for a Coal Ila, but still impressive and refined. Palate: hello smoke! Rather peppery. Overpowering attack, very robust. Spicy taste, liquorice and a sweet layer of honey. Finish on almonds, pear and chocolate. Slightly bitter notes as well. Very long.

Absolutely deserves 90/100.

Caol Ila 1975 20y (Rare Malts) 4 Ruben Luyten 2008-12-21
  • Jan

    I had this beautiful bottle many years ago…..

    Bought it in an airport for approx. 50 £ – my most expensive whisky at that time (and almost still today!)

    I cannot express ‘tasting notes’, but I remember it as the best whisky I have ever tasted (probably it HAD to be, since I found it so expensive and luxurious ;-) .

    And now I wish I hadn’t drunk it – or better, that I had invested in a few extras, so I could now sell them for 10 times the price – or better: drink them too ;-)

  • Peter R.

    You should have kept it. You can make an easy 500 for it now !

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  • WhiskyNotes: I meant that in an affirmative way: you absolutely wouldn't be tempted to think this was distilled on Islay, because it's clearly different.
  • StuartHighland: 'You would never think this was distilled on Islay'... that because it wasnt. It was distilled at Balblair, but matured in a cask previously used by a
  • WhiskyNotes: Thanks Sjoerd. Not that I'm not interested, but it's Glenflagler mixed with other malts so I'm afraid it's not an option to tick it off my list. Thank

Coming up

  • Bowmore 1996 (TWA Faces)
  • Braeval 1994 (Liquid Library)
  • Laphroaig 2000 (Perfect Dram)
  • Glen Moray 1995 (Carn Mor)
  • Longrow Rundlets & Kinderkins
  • Glenfarclas Chairman's reserve 175
  • Balvenie Tun 1858 (batch 1)

1256 notes by Ruben

WhiskyNotes - Ruben LuytenThis blog is my personal collection of impressions, written while searching for the ultimate single malt whisky.