Caol Ila 19 yo 1995 Signatory #457 + 458 vs Caol Ila 1990 Mackillop’s Choice #1484
Caol Ila 19 yo 1995 Signatory #457 + 458 46%
The fresh sort of peaty Islay, more buttered burnt toast than unholy infernos. A light toned but rooty ‘clean earth’ sort of peat that comes with white smoke, fresh seawater and granite chips. Zingy fresh herbaceous notes composed of freshly harvested seaweed, menthol and some fennel or dill or thyme bush set ablaze. Touch of preserved lemon. Simple and good.
Caol Ila 1990 Mackillop’s Choice #1484 55.9%
Very much the same whisky but at cask strength, which turns this thick and tense, with a jolt of acidity and the brine and raw seaweed turned up. Very chiselled and potent. On the tongue it is quite magnificent, sweet acid and lava. Seared clean and flint sharp. Spartan and chiselled. All salt and scorching rock. White heat, incinerator ash and acid. Head turningly impressive though austere as a sheer rock face.
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