So, ages ago when I got a bunch of bottles in that were scoring well different than you’d expect by checking the label and bottler, I also got this 30 year old Caol Ila. Early eighties Caol Ila is a thing and many whisky fanatics have either tried it or had bottles of it, since it was anything but rare.

Generally, those older Caol Ilas also score quite highly, but this one doesn’t. Generally that is not a reason to buy a bottle, but for some reason I was compelled to do so anyway.

Now I know Liquid Sun doesn’t have the best track record. I’ve had more than one bottling from them that scored way below what would be the average, and in one of the whisky groups I’m in there’s still a running joke about a certain Linkwood from them that was utterly atrocious.

Sniff:
A crisp and slightly acidic smokiness with some kippers in the background is not something you’d directly associate with Caol Ila. Especially not 30 year old Caol Ila from 1981, and yet that is what we have here.

Barley, a bit of oatmeal porridge, but mostly apple, star fruit, white grapes. Of course, there’s a light salinity with sea weedy smoke.

Sip:
The palate is quite light too. There’s some white pepper, dry white oak and soot. Dusty barley and a whiff of vanilla. It gets a bit more coastal and harbor-y with a bit of time. So, tarry ropes, fish, sand. That kind of stuff.

Swallow:
The finish has a bit more fire. There’s more wood smoke, more embers, but more peaty smoke too. Much like a kiln at a distillery. Quite long with oak and white pepper, a whiff of diesel and a bit more fruitiness than on the palate.

Even though this absolutely is no regular Caol Ila 1981, or any vintage Caol Ila, I thoroughly like it. Way more than its rating made me expect. The combination of peat smoke, coastal notes and the fruity crispness is actually great!

89/100