Caol Ila 1981/2010 29 Year Old, Malts of Scotland

The German independent bottler Malts of Scotland has released quite a few jewels already. Of all the MoS-bottles I've tasted so far, I've only had two that didn't take me to cloud nine. Quite a track record, I'd say (although, coming from me, that may not mean much). Anyway, time to try their 29 Year Old Cask Strength Caol Ila.

The nose is very alcoholic (no surprise, of course), but also immediately sweet. Crushed, overripe banana with a dask of pear liqueur. The bourbon hogshead also left quite a dose of vanilla in the spirit. But after a few moments the peat emerges, albeit very discreet. Almonds in diesel oil. Weird picture, but wonderful smell. I even get some latex paint. But it's sweet instead of coastal. Due to the afterburn in the nose, allow me to add a spoonfull of water. Oh, YES! The coastal aromas are now completely chased away by a whole basked of sweet fruits. It makes this Caol Ila somewhat atypical, but very, very good.

The attack on the palate is very powerful and puts the saliva glands in overdrive. Black pepper, fruity peat and a touch of salt turn this dram into a party on your tongue. But as it's a powerful 'burner', let's make him swim. And it handles water beautifully. Lime and licquorice, sprinkled with sea salt. A whiff of oysters, but only a mild touch of peat.

Undiluted, the finish is long and spicy on excotic fruit with a briny death. Diluted it is softer, sweeter and in all honesty much better.

This is one of the sweetest Caol Ila's I've tasted up till now, but what a dram!

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