Caol Ila 1996 23 YO Connoisseurs Choice

Caol Ila 1996 23 YO Connoisseurs Choice, 58.3 %

This is an independent bottling from Gordon & MacPhail. The Caol Ila 1996 23 YO Connoisseurs Choice was distilled in 1996, matured in a single refill sherry butt (cask #16075), and bottled 2020-01-23. The total outturn was 519 bottles.

You can buy the 519 bottles in Norway at NOK 2444 (12296001).

Nose: Raw, smoked sausages. Coffee and cocoa nibs. Vanilla and soft green notes. Deep sherry notes - dried fruits and cinnamon.

Taste: Soft, dry and full bodied. Green with cut grass and fresh herbs. Mildly soapy. Sweet ashes and peat reek in the background. Lots of white pepper. Honey and smoked bacon.

Finish: Long finish. Sweeter now. Vanilla. Creamy. Hot ashes and soot still. Green notes way in the background. Hint of salt.

Comment: A fine, old Caol Ila.

Score 89/100

PS! Big thanks to Peter and Knut for the sample.

Sláinte!
-Thomas