3456789_1.jpg
  • 97

1968 Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Caol Ila 50 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Islay, SCOTLAND
$14999. 00
Bottle
$179988.00 Dozen
ABV: 52.5%
Another extraordinary whisky has emerged from Gordon & MacPhail, claimed to be the ‘oldest’ Caol Ila to have been bottled to date. The fifty year-old single cask whisky distilled in 1968 was matured in a refill Sherry hogshead and bottled at cask strength yielding just 199 bottles. To our knowledge, we have the only bottle in Australia.

Tasting note: [10ml sample] Pure bright gold. A sultry bouquet of amazing force and freshness. Char-grilled pineapple, smokey cardamom and hints of vapo-rub, developing over five minutes with dark chocolate, hemp, baked citrus and suggestions of fruit cake. Just incredibly fresh and vibrant for its age. Initially resiny/ sappy/piney(?) Caresses the palate with an impossible combination of mint chocolate and smoked meats. Fifty years leaves peat on the horizon, while the length is checked by encroaching oak. It's a stately, regal Caol Ila of profound depth, presence and vitality and, quite simply, unlike any other we've tasted before. 52.5% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the bottlers... Dark Gold. Aroma: Delicate wisps of peat smoke combine with aromas of honey-cured meats and vanilla pods. Fruitcake-laden notes of nuts, raisins, and plump sultanas develop. A hint of menthol runs throughout. Undertones of zesty citrus and aromatic lemongrass linger. Taste: A refined and subtle, yet warming, spice opens into raspberry, cranberry, and sweet baked apple flavours. Thick cut Seville orange marmalade and gentle Sherry influences develop with time. Mature oak notes add a slightly drying character. Finish: A lingering finish of smouldering bonfire embers combine delicately with lemon zest and charred oak.