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Spirit from Caol Ila has long played an important part in the rich history of Gordon & MacPhail. That tradition continued in 2019 with the launch of Private Collection 1968 from Caol Ila Distillery, the oldest single malt ever bottled from the Islay distillery.
Delicate wisps of peat smoke transforms aromas of honey-cured meats and vanilla pods. Notes of fruitcake laden with nuts, raisins, and plump sultanas develop. A hint of menthol runs throughout. Undertones of zesty citrus and aromatic lemongrass linger.
A refined single malt. Subtle yet warming spice opens into raspberry, cranberry, and sweet baked apple flavours. Thick cut Seville orange marmalade and gentle Sherry influences develop with time. Mature oak notes add a slightly drying character.
A lingering finish of smouldering bonfire embers entwined with lemon zest and charred oak.
Pronounced 'cull-eela', (Gaelic for Sound of Jura) Caol Ila is the largest distillery on Islay and the fifth largest in Scotland. Built in a disused lead-ore quarry by Hector Henderson in 1846, the seaside location was purposely chosen for its abundance of water. Hidden away in a cove just north of Port Askaig, overlooking the water from which it takes its name, the distillery produces the main component of the Johnnie Walker blend. Highly regarded, this wonderfully smoky malt has a phenol content of 35-38 ppm (roughly equating to 20 hours under a peat fire). Its tall copper pot stills produce a light spirit that not only matures well in both Sherry and bourbon casks, but also finishes nicely in wine casks.
Finely balanced, a Caol Ila whiskies have an almost coal-dust like peat smoke without the medicinal harshness found in other Islay drams. A staple of our ‘Connoisseurs Choice’ and ‘Cask Strength’ ranges, Caol Ila has also been released in a number of wood finishes under the ‘Private Collection’ label.
Caol Ila
Whisky Vault
1968
52.5%
2018
Dark Gold
Refill Sherry hogshead
199 Bottles
4021901
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