2002 Caol Ila 20 Year Old "Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseur's Choice" K&L Exclusive Cask #8378 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel Nonchillfiltered Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This gorgeous cask of Caol Ila is pure class. It's not a peat monster or powerhouse, instead it's a regal old dame of the highest order. But that by no means should indicate a malt that you should brush her off. No, here's great tension and depth here that is so difficult to replicate in these old Islay malts, particularly at this price point. IN fact, there's no OLD Islay at this price from what I can tell, but what's most important here is the way it tastes. Here we go. A fabulous burnished color. The nose is a gorgeous mixture of sweet ripe orchard fruit covered in white ash. Cured meats, granny smith, bergamot, dried mango, exotic spices, sandalwood. On the palate, dense rich smoke, powerful spice, big oak spice, big clean smoke, smoked meats, citrus oils, smoldering and supple. It's such a fun old school vibe that reminds me much more of older distillery offerings than the punchier weirder IBs we see. I'll be very sad when this bottle is gone.