Distilled at Caol Ila in 1983, this 42-year-old single malt was matured in a refill hogshead that yielded just 42 bottles. The restrained cask has allowed the Islay spirit to evolve over four decades while preserving its identity. Tropical fruit, mineral notes and refined smoke sit alongside cigar leaf and gentle earthiness, showing maturity without surrendering character. This is an exceptionally limited Caol Ila whose significance lies not only in age, but in the way peat, fruit and oak have remained balanced across such a long maturation.
Tasting notes
Tropical
Medicinal
Nose
Aromas of Cuban cigars, candied tropical fruits, and gentle earthy peat.
Palate
A palate of banana, lemon, minerality, and refined smoke.
Finish
A long, contemplative finish.
The distillery
Caol Ila
Founded in 1846, Caol Ila distillery overlooks the Sound of Islay from its position on the island's east coast near Port Askaig. It is Islay's largest malt distillery, with much of it’s production destined for globally recognised blends such as Johnnie Walker.
The distillery's six stills, comprising of three wash and three spirit stills, play an important role in shaping Caol Ila's clean and smoky character. The resulting spirit is known for balancing peat smoke with fresh citrus notes and distinctive coastal influence.
Caol Ila consistently delivers quality spirit for independent bottlings. It’s flavour profile is expressive from a young age. Although ex-bourbon casks can produce the most consistently rewarding results, an exceptional sherry cask can elevate Caol Ila to something truly special.
Located in the Inner Hebrides, Islay is one of Scotland's five recognised whisky producing regions and is renowned for its long association with whisky production. Despite its modest size, the island has earned a global reputation for its whiskies, with distilleries playing an important role in the local community and economy.
Peat smoke is a defining feature of many Islay whiskies, contributing to bold and characterful spirits that have become synonymous with the region. While heavily peated styles are closely associated with Islay, the island's distilleries produce a diverse range of whiskies that reflect their individual approaches to production.
This distinctive character makes Islay an enduring favourite among whisky enthusiasts. We look for whiskies that express the individuality of their distillery, and Islay spirits often retain that identity even after extended maturation or finishing. The interaction between peat, spirit character and cask influence can produce whiskies of unique character and complexity.
Customer reviews
Full specification
Category
Single malt Scotch whisky
Distillery
Caol Ila
Region
Islay
Country
Scotland
Age
42 years
Distilled
8 November 1983
Bottled
2025
Strength
51.7% ABV
Bottle size
70 cl
Original outturn
42 bottles
Cask number
1288
Cask
Refill Hogshead
More to explore
The Vault
A dedicated member area for selected Rare Find releases, Vault notes and current membership information.
