Caol Ila 1968-2018 | 50 Year Old Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Single Cask 4021901

Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 
Bottled by: Gordon & MacPhail 70cl / 52.5.%

A single cask 1968 Caol Ila Islay single malt whisky bottled as a 50-year-old at full cask strength without colouring or chill filtration in 2018 by Gordon & MacPhail for their magnificent Private Collection series.

This exquisite Caol Ila 1968 from Gordon & MacPhail is, as far as we're aware, the oldest ever bottling of Caol Ila to date. It was distilled in 1968 and aged for over 50 years in refill sherry hogshead cask #4021901 before being bottled in 2018 with a yield of just 199 bottles at its extremely impressive natural cask strength of 52.5%. A fabulous dram, full of lemon, ham and seaweed flavours, notes of marmalade and grapefruit, restrained but potent peat and a gloriously oily mouthfeel.

Attributes

Tasting Notes

Official Tasting Notes
Colour: Dark Gold.
Nose: Delicate wisps of peat smoke are joined by honey-cured meats and delightful sweet vanilla. A gentle aroma of fruitcake decorated with plump sultanas, raisins and nuts feature. An underlying hint of methanol emerges, developing into undertones of citrus and lemongrass.
Palate: A refined palate reveals subtle warming spices before opening up to sweet cooked apples, raspberry and cranberry. Bitter orange marmalade and gentle sherry influences develop with time. Mature oak also lends a pleasant drying character.
Finish: Smouldering bonfire embers linger on the palate with lemon zest and charred oak.