Whisky Review/Tasting: Caol Ila 1982 Signatory

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: September 12, 1982.
Bottling Date: July 30, 2013.
Age Statement: 30 years.
Maturation Process: Matured in hogsheads cask (Cask 6498), likely a bourbon hogshead based on the host's estimation.
Color: Natural color.
ABV: 51.7%.
Bottle Design and Packaging: The bottle experienced a faulty stamp, leading to a damaged cork. The host provides advice on proper bottle opening techniques to prevent such issues.
Limited Production: Only 200 bottles were released from this cask.

General Flavor: Unusually smoky for its age, with a well-rounded, less intense smoke compared to younger Islay whiskies.
Initial Tastes: Begins with a fruitiness, reminiscent of pears and apples.
Smoke Character: Develops into a damp, burned-out bonfire smoke, not as intense or attacking as younger Islay whiskies like Ardbeg or Laphroaig.
Secondary Notes: A hint of lemon in the middle or finish, with a subtle bourbon influence that is not as demanding as expected.

Distillery Rejuvenation: The Caol Ila distillery underwent significant rebuilding and equipment replacement at some point after 1982, enhancing its capacity and modernizing its facilities. It plays a crucial role in the blend industry, supplying many independent bottlers like Signatory Vintage.
Maturation Location: Contrary to what some might expect from an Islay whisky, Caol Ila whiskies, including this one, are primarily matured on the mainland of Scotland, not on Islay.

Islay Whisky Identity: Despite being distilled on Islay, the maturation process on the mainland of Scotland contributes to a unique profile that challenges common perceptions of Islay whiskies, especially regarding peatiness and smoke intensity in aged expressions.

A 30-year-old Caol Ila single malt, distilled in 1982 and bottled in 2013 by Signatory Vintage.
Matured in likely bourbon hogsheads, resulting in a natural color and a 51.7% ABV.
Exhibits an unusually smoky profile for its age, with a well-rounded, damp smoke character and hints of fruitiness and lemon.
The distillery's significant role in the blend industry and its rejuvenation post-1982 are highlighted.
Despite its Islay origins, the whisky's maturation on the Scottish mainland contributes to its unique flavor profile.
The host provides insights into proper bottle opening techniques to prevent cork damage.

For Peat Lovers: Those who appreciate the smoky, peaty character of Islay whiskies but are looking for a more subdued, rounded experience.
For Aged Whisky Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in exploring how the intensity of smoke and peat evolves over decades of maturation.
For Collectors: The limited production and unique characteristics of this bottling make it an attractive addition to any whisky collection.
For Whisky Historians: Those intrigued by the evolution of distilleries and the impact of maturation locations on whisky profiles will find the story of Caol Ila 1982 Signatory compelling.