Caol Ila 33 Years Old Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Batch 18/062 52.8% 1984

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (93)

There is a problem with these bottlings, it is the feeling of ‘last time’. Or let’s say, nostalgia in advance, a rather weird feeling. Unless our friends in Elgin tell us that they’ve still got many such casks in their warehouses… G&M, we’re listening…

Colour: pale gold.

Nose: nah there, quince paste, that’s unbeatable. And dried pears, fresh marzipan (not the stuff they would sell in, say gas stations), a pot of bits of crystallised fruits, old magazines in the basement, salicornia, citrons, the tiniest bit of old plastic, mild pipe tobacco… This is all very complex, and it would go into many different directions. Mindboggling. With water: no changes, which is cool. Perhaps a little more ‘textile-y’.

Mouth (neat): just a-ma-zing. Smoked vanilla fudge and many dried tropical fruits. Papayas, for instance. Then seawater and a whole seafood platter. Emphasis on shellfish! You may start to dial the number of the Anti-Maltoporn Brigade, which would be 01 42 92 81 00. No, that’s Macron’s number, please don’t. With water: if we must. Almond paste, citrons, lemon curd, oysters, etcetera.

Finish: medium, perfect. Smoked almonds and fresh whelks, then grapefruit. Unbeatable indeed.

Comments: I know this was to be expected, but I think it’s even greater than I thought it would be (eh?)