Master of malt recently bottled two interesting single casks, this 30 year old CI, and another lovely Highland park 13 year old. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek (by means of a little sample) . I am a fan of Caol Ila and think their malt is often underrated. How would a 30 year old single cask fare? let’s start this work week (mind you, I’ve been working yesterday as well.Yeah, living in Israel sucks!) with this wee Coal Ila.
Caol Ila 30 master of malt single cask , 57.4% ABV , £99 (Master of Malt)
Nose : a very delicate nose peat wise. Fruit , light peat with some candy and hints of Turkish delight. This needs some breathing in the glass.
With time it gets fruitier with more tropical fruit and Ginger.
Palate ; big alcohol hit then a blast of smoke , bacon, fruits and sugared dry smoked banana. Much Smokier than the nose suggests and exotic.
Finish : smoke , kippers , malty cereal notes and dough.
Bottom line:
Ace. One of the better Caol Ila bottlings I’ve sampled recently. A real treat of a dram. Older Coal Ilas, rock!
Score: 90/100
Sincere thanks to the folks at Master of Malt for the sample.
Funny you should review this now, I was looking at it last week considering buying a bottle. (My 30th birthday next month, need to treat myself!) Glad to get your view on it. I’m trying to choose between this and the new Celtic Heartlands CI 30yo. the latter is more expensive but it will make a great shelf piece that I can savour over the next 30 years 🙂
Hey Marc
Glad to be of service. I can not really compare the two since i never had the Celtic Heartlands CI. but It’s a great looking bottle 😉 you are planning on drinking it i hope and not keeping it close for the next 30 years,eh?
Looks like MoM bottlings are nice stuff overall.
I had their 26yo Bowmore which I found to be a amazing dram, quite surprising and fun. This Caol Ila sound very good as well and I have the 13yo HP waiting on my shelf.
Plus, their prices are fair, 100£ for 25/30yo whiskies.
Never got to try the 26 yo bowmore, would love to do that sometime. the HP is indeed interesting.
they do offer a good price point, agreed.
slainte!
I totally agree, old Caol Ila’s rock! However, younger Caol Ila’s rock too…
Indeed.
I just had the new “Moch” (NAS) and although it’s young, it rocks!