Caol Ila 22 Year (1984) Scott’s Selection

Review by: The Muskox

Oh, how I wish I wasn’t doing this daily review series, so that I’d be able to post review #666 on Halloween. I was even trying to acquire a sample of one of those “DARKNESS!” bottlings. It would have been so perfect.

Oh well, I have this un-themed but otherwise delicious whisky to talk about instead. This is yet another of those dusty Scott’s Selection bottlings that a bunch of us nerds tried on a Zoom call together. As the biggest distillery on Islay, Caol Ila is often the cheapest way to try old peated whisky. Let’s see how this one has held up over more than two decades of maturation.

You should also check out throwboats’s review of this same whisky, which he posted last night. I had to differentiate my photo from his, so I’ve added myself.

Distillery: Caol Ila.

Bottler: Scott’s Selection.

Region: Islay.

ABV: 53.5%, cask strength.

Age: 22 years old. Distilled in 1984. Bottled in 2006.

Cask type: “Oak cask”.

Color: No colour added, un-chillfiltered.

Nose: Somewhat cleaner than expected for a Caol Ila at this age, without so much soot or any ash. It’s still quite savoury – meaty burnt ends, smoldering applewood chips, roasted poblanos, and some smoked tea. Mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce? It’s rounded, but there’s a bit of cider vinegar acidity and brine. Some soft sweeter notes of pear, honey, and lemongrass. Oregano and a bit of turmeric.

Palate: Medium texture. Arrives sweet, with tangerine and honey-glazed ham. Develops to more applewood smoke. Herbaceous, vegetal, and woody in the middle, but not overly bitter: honey, pineapple, and balsamic linger underneath. Some brown sugar and charred marshmallows. A hint of soft tea. Slightly mineral.

With a drop of water some macaroons emerge.

Finish: Medium-long. The smoke gets more acrid here, with some vinegar-based barbeque sauce and pepper. I got a distinct mezcal note here, sort of a Del Maguey-ish* tire-fire and egg whites. Black pepper and dried oregano. Crystallized honey and honey pomelo.

Possible SMWS bottling name: “Pizza delivery to Dagobah”

Notes: A great and well-rounded old Caol Ila. It’s not so old to have gone floral and fragrant like the 30 year old bottling I’ve tried, though I love that profile too – it’s full of really interesting savoury notes. It’s extremely easy-drinking too. That finish is interesting, I’m not usually into those kinds of flavours, and it takes the score down just a tiny bit for me. Still an excellent whisky.

*Disclaimer: I know very little about mezcal, but I have had a Del Maguey with those notes before. I went over this note with an officially certified and licensed mezcal nerd, who gave it his seal of approval.

Final Score: 88.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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