1980 Caol Ila 35 Year Old "Hunter Laing - Old & Rare" Cask Strength Single Barrel Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

We've bought a number of amazing Caol Ila casks over the years, some at just five years of age and others at more than thirty, but there are two things we can say about this particular cask of Caol Ila: we've never had one this old and we've never had one this well-priced considering the market. Experienced whisky drinkers compare old Caol Ila to old Port Ellen, that elusive and rare Islay distillery now selling for thousands of dollars per bottle. While Diageo released the 14th edition this past year, a 35 year old cask strength expression of pure peated splendor, it will run you at least three grand. With this cask strength Caol Ila, we're offering you a whisky that's just as delicious (if not as rare) for about ten percent of that price. If you're looking for decadent Islay goodness, you've got it all here. It's oily, resinous, round on the palate, thick with brandied fruit, but oh so ashy, smoky, salty, and peaty. It's sweet and then it's savory. It's bright, but then it's heavy. It's easy to drink, yet utterly complex. It's the entire package and it comes just in time for the holidays when gifts like this are greatly appreciated by savvy drinkers. We've waited until the end of our most recent container to release this beauty to the world. There are less than 130 bottles available at 56.3% cask strength. Don't let our reasonable price fool you: if you or someone you know likes smoky whisky, this is about as high end as it gets.(David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)