Masam (Samaroli) Caol Ila 1999 20 Years Old #303358

Style: Sweet and Smoky

Rating: ☆☆- [Highly Recommended]

Nose:

Delicate seashore diesel smoke bonding with sweet and bright pear drops. Citrus, an even proportion of orange, lemon and lime shining brightly at the core, lozenges, iodine, which then slowly convert into green and sugar plums. Peppermint gather pace and hitting the high notes. More maritime influence, this time there is a bit of meatiness, and black pepper as well. Getting some unexpected umami at the very end. Love the progression and balance of this one.

Palate:

Very focused on citrus confectioneries, the sweetness of zesty orange and lemon strikes heavily at the first two beat. It is then neutralised, levitated/ dragged upwards by a strong spearmint and chilli drive. The surge then dissolves and forming round, delicious milk chocolate notes in the middle. Plums, molecular lime spheres, white floral fragrance, tiramisu and creme brulee side notes. Raining chocolate flakes along the way, bonfire and seaweed notes towards the end.

Finish:

Getting more maritime and oaky as citrus fruits at the lowest level. Baked fruits and manuka honey stacking up over time.

Thoughts:

A surprisingly "sugary" Caol Ila which actually offers a lot more beyond its sweetness. The spice and maritime peat made a colossal effort to maintain the balance, which they have succeeded and allow side notes blossom beautifully in the spirit. The resulting dram is exceptionally vibrant, polished, nuanced and delicious. Maybe it might be a bit too sweet for some (not for me!), but I honestly think this is pretty much peak Caol Ila at this age, what else can you ask for? Savour the moment!

[53.7% | Independent Bottling | 1999 Distilled | 2020 Bottled | Aged 20 Years | 44 of 150 Bottles | Cask Number: 303358 | Natural Cask Strength | Single Cask | **-]

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