The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) bottle 53.10 of Caol Ila 1980 is a rare and exceptional single malt whisky. Distilled in January 1980 and bottled in February 1995 after 15 years of maturation, this whisky exemplifies the best of Islay's renowned distillery, Caol Ila. Bottled at a robust 63.7% ABV by SMWS, which was founded in Edinburgh in 1983 by Phillip 'Pip' Hills, this limited release offers a complex and intense flavor profile that will captivate any whisky connoisseur. The nose of this whisky is characterized by deep, earthy peat, mingling with notes of huge oiliness, tarry fishing nets, menthol, mint, eucalyptus resin, boiler smoke, beach bonfires, BBQ sauce, cherry cola cubes, and resinous earthiness. Dark fruits and a hint of citrus rind add further complexity. With time, the aroma evolves, becoming increasingly meaty and medicinal. Adding a splash of water reveals a different dimension to this whisky. The nose develops gravelly, meaty, and mineral notes, with smoked grains, ash, lemons, olive oil, and a distinctive waxiness. The palate is a powerful fusion of sherry and peat, with perfect integration. Flavors of Mercurochrome, kippers, peppered mackerel, stewed dark fruits, wet earth, mushrooms, oils, tar liqueur, smoked beer, and TCP dominate. Water brings out fruit oils, children's medicine like Calpol, earthy, smouldering peats, herbs, smoked meats, and salted fish. The SMWS Tasting Notes describe a dark-red color and an aroma reminiscent of toffee apples, with muted peatiness. Watered, it reveals quiet iodine and sulphur notes, nuts, and malt. The taste is rich and malty, leading to a smoky finish like malt loaf toasted over a peat fire. The finish is fiercely peppery. This whisky is truly a brilliant and beautiful wee beast, with a long-lasting finish that lingers for hours. The SMWS 53.10 Caol Ila 1980 is a rare find and a testament to the quality and complexity of single malt whiskies.
The ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of the SMWS 53.10 Caol Ila 1980 is 63.7%.
This whisky was matured for 15 years, distilled in January 1980 and bottled in February 1995.
The whisky offers complex flavors including earthy peat, oiliness, tarry notes, menthol, mint, eucalyptus resin, beach bonfires, cherry cola cubes, dark fruits, citrus rind, smoked grains, ash, lemons, olive oil, sherry, Mercurochrome, kippers, stewed dark fruits, wet earth, mushrooms, oils, tar liqueur, and TCP.
Adding water reveals a more gravelly, meaty, and mineral side with additional flavors of smoked grains, ash, lemons, olive oil, fruit oils, children's medicine like Calpol, earthy smouldering peats, herbs, smoked meats, and salted fish.
The SMWS 53.10 Caol Ila 1980 is a masterpiece of whisky craftsmanship. Its robust ABV and rich, multifaceted flavor profile make it a must-try for any serious whisky enthusiast. The transformation it undergoes with the addition of water is nothing short of remarkable, showcasing the depth and complexity that a well-aged single malt can achieve. This bottle is a rare gem and a testament to the enduring quality of the Caol Ila Distillery and the expertise of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
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