Caol Ila 1996 17 YO Old Particular

Caol Ila 1996 17 YO Old Particular, 48,4 %

Old Particular is a relatively new series from Independent Bottler Douglas Laing. Whiskies younger than 18 years are bottled at 48,4 % in this series, and older whiskies are bottled at 51,5 %. A few older rarities will have natural cask strength.

Caol Ila 1996 17 YO Old Particular was matured in a refill hogshead (cask#DL10020), and the out turn was 276 bottles. It was distilled in September 1996 and bottled in October 2013.

This whisky will be made available in Norway in May 2014, at NOK 1200 per bottle. Due to the slow process of bringing whiskies to market in Norway (state monopoly) this whisky is already more or less sold out online. You can still pick up a few bottles online at around € 100.

Nose (23/25): Smoky, very smoky! Glowing embers, warm ashes, barbecued oranges. Lovely sweetness to compliment the smokiness. To me this is a very clean and focused Caol Ila.

Taste (23/25): Delicious warm, and full sweetness. Warm ashes infused with summer fruits and runny honey.

Finish (22/25): A bit chewy, nice mouth feel. Medium long, slightly drier towards the end. Lots of sweet smoke all the way.

Balance (23/25): One of the best Caol Ilas I have tried. A great dram that I would very much like to try again.

Score (91/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas