A couple of weeks ago I had lined up four Caol Ila as a blind tasting for a friend:
- Caol Ila 1998 15 YO Special release 2014 Unpeated style
- Caol Ila 1983 30 YO Special release 2014
- Caol Ila 1990 20 YO Murray McDavid
- Caol Ila Young & Feisty Provenance
I was a bit unsure in which order I should put Caol Ila 1990 20 YO Murray McDavid; before or after the 30 YO Special release 2014. I think I made the right decision.
This whisky is part of the bottling series The Syndicate. It was distilled 28 August 1990, then matured in cask #8732 before it was bottled 22 September 2010 at Bruichladdich Distillery(!). The outturn was 231 bottles at 53,7 ABV.
It is very soft on the nose. The peat is obvious together with a lot of fruits. I get dried apricots og dates in particular. Very fruity on the palate as well. Ginger, salt and lemon after some sips. The peat is delicately integrated with the fruits. Lemon is the most dominating taste on the finish. Ginger gives it a warm and lingering feeling.
My score: nose 21 / taste 22 / finish 22 / balance 22 = 87
Thanks, Roland!
Image from Whisky Merchants (unfortunately I could not find an image of the correct bottle).
– Tone
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