Wemyss Malts "Smoky Nectar"
1983 - 35 Year Old Caol Ila
Single Cask Single Malt Islay Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
Nose: Tenacious teases of peat smoke - waves of sea spray – dusty old books - damp limestone - ripe banana skin – grilled pineapple rings – poached pears – lemon sherbet - sugared almonds – raspberry ripple ice cream - heather honey – wood spice - ground white pepper and a kiss of anise.
Palate: Pleasurable protrusions of peat smoke – brine – lemon Dib Dabs – pineapple cubes - Edinburgh rock – baked spiced apples – blackberry jam – gooseberry yoghurt - strawberries dusted with black pepper - shortbread - gingernut biscuits – cinnamon sticks – wood spice and a finishing sprig of mint.
Finish: A long, lush, lingering feisty finish, that unfolds as excitingly and exceedingly well as it did on the nose and palate.
Summary: If I’m being completely honest, the majority of indie Caol Ila’s I’ve sampled over the last few years, have been rather unexciting, predictable, one dimensional and quite boring. This latest Wemyss release as part of their new Cask Club, is not only one of the best independent Caol Ila’s I’ve ever sampled, but it’s now also one of my favourites from the distillery full-stop! A drop of real liquid history, with all the right notes in all the right places!
