Caol Ila 2002 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Foundations 21 yo

 

 

 

52,5°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay 

Refill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Founded in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail is one of the world's leading independent bottlers. In order to shine in the Foundations collection on offer for tasting at the Whisky Live Paris 2024, the best casks are opened, such as this Caol Ila aged 21 years in a Refill Sherry Hogshead. 159 bottles are produced.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A magnificent balance of mineral and maritime iodine, fine ashy peat and dried fruit. Dried dates and apricots, soot-tinged gravel, sea breeze, limestone and gypsum, pinch of salt, seaweed, kelp, shellfish, whelks topped with caramel, shortbread biscuits. It remains delicate on the palate, with light but fleshy fruit, vanilla mixed with peat, slate and quartz slivers, fresh fish with their scales, a zest of lime. Broad spices, nutmeg, cinnamon, benzoin. Very slight medicinal touch, ointment. Long, explosive finish, charcoal and bark, marzipan, walnut honey, apricot-filled biscuits.

 

In Short, 

It's really very well done, with great delicacy. As is often the case with Gordon & MacPhail, the age adds subtlety and complexity, but in no way detracts from the distillery's character. The price is high, however, so let's hope for a promotion.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Shedfromthebody - Lungs