Caol Ila 31 Years Old Cadenhead Small Batch 52.1% 1984

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Serge Valentin (91)

In my experience, old CIs are usually stunning, but also in my experience, they do not stand the tiniest flaws that may run them off the road. But granted, that happens very rarely…

Colour: straw.

Nose: I see, a chalky/mezcaly one. Smoke, brine, crushed limestone, olives, vanilla… There are rumours that CAD are preparing some kind of metanoiacal world spirit that would shelter peaters, mezcals, gentians, and Jamaican high-ester rums. Can we wait? With water: gets CI-gentler, but there are oysters (Loch Gruinart, naturally) and funny whiffs of an old jacket that you would have worn while taking care of the BBQ. Whatever. Also something that’s very CI, green apples.

Mouth (neat): forgot to mention iodine and peppered lemon. All the rest stands. With water: stays big and salty. More olives, brine, and the obligatory kippers (of the cake – S., please behave!)

Finish: long, but it keeps this very moderate lightness that’s inherent to Caol Ila. Oh and the olives never gave up.

Comments: excellent, as expected (but accidents can happen). Water is not mandatory here, you can save up.