Caol Ila 1982

26 year old Islay 55.8 % vol

1 of only 207 bottles from cask 686

Another splendid old Caol Ila from Port Askaig. It comes from a refill hogshead and is mid gold in colour, with a moderate bead.
The nose is mellow and mineral-like, fresh and somewhat dry. First dentists mouthwash, then some lemon grass, then an old-fashioned farm dairy (whiff of cheese, with carbolic soap in the background), and also a maturation warehouse (damp wood and bung-cloths). Water raises a distinct anise note to start, modified by further wood notes, and resolving as aniseed balls on a scorched ironing board. The light medicinal note is still apparent, and a scent of smoked ham.
A pleasant mouthfeel: sweet, then smoky, with light saltiness, and also some pepper or allspice, which lingers, along with toasted neeps (Swedes) in a turnip lantern.

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